The test is comprised of 23 levels, each level lasts approximately 1-minute. The starting speed is 8.5km/hr and increases by 0.5km/hr at each level thereafter. As the individual progresses through the levels, the speed between the beeps decreases giving the individual less time to complete each shuttle, thus increasing the intensity. Participants begin the test from the ‘start-line’ (Cones A).Ī single beep indicates the end of each shuttle, whilst three simultaneous beeps indicates the start of the next level.When instructed by the audio player, they must run towards the opposite 20m line (Cones B) within the sound of the beep.They must then run back and forth in this same pattern continuously until they reach voluntarily exhaustion. If the athlete fails to reach the opposite ‘turn-around’ line before the ‘beep’, the participant is issued with one fail attempt.
If the athlete achieves two consecutive fail attempts, they are withdrawn from the test and their score recorded as final. However, if the individual reaches the line before the second consecutive beep, their fail attempts are reset.
