Validation of the 5-minute running test as a physiological indicator of aerobic fitness

Q: What was the purpose of the study?

The study aimed to evaluate the validity of the 5-minute running test (5RFT) as a field-based assessment of aerobic fitness by examining its correlation with laboratory-measured VO2max using the Bruce protocol.

Q: How were participants tested in the study?

Twenty-one healthy male participants completed both the 5RFT and a laboratory-based VO2max test using the Bruce protocol. During the 5RFT, oxygen consumption was measured with a portable metabolic gas analyzer (K5).

Q: What were the main findings about validity?

The 5RFT showed a strong positive correlation with Bruce-protocol VO2max (r = 0.675, p < 0.05). Oxygen consumption measured by K5 during the 5RFT also correlated significantly with the 5RFT (r = 0.621, p < 0.01), though mean differences indicated the 5RFT estimated values were higher than both laboratory measurements.

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by Stanford

Evaluating aerobic fitness in field conditions requires practical, valid measures linked to physiological gold standards. This open-access study assessed the validity of the 5-minute running test (5RFT) by analyzing its relationship with maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) determined using the Bruce protocol in a laboratory setting. Twenty-one healthy male participants completed both tests, while portable metabolic gas analysis captured oxygen consumption during 5RFT.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages8

Reading Time20 min

AccessFree to download

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Introduction

OPEN ACCESS [https://doi.org/10.20463/pan.2025.0033](https://doi.org/10.20463/pan.2025.0033) 2025;29(4):040-047 Received: 2025/08/15, Revised: 2025/09/04, Accepted: 2025/10/19, Published: 2025/12/30 ©2025 Jong-Ho Park et al. ; License Physical Activity and Nutrition. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the creative commons attribution license ([https://creativecommons.org/l](https://creativecommons.org/l)icenses/by-nc/2 .0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. *Corresponding author : Seong-Eon Kim Department of Physical Education, Sejong University, 209 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, 05006, Republic of Korea. Tel: +82-10-9248-5844 E-mail: [kimpulse@naver.com](kimpulse@naver.com) ©2025 The Korean Society for Exercise Nutrition [Purpose] This study aimed to evaluate the validity of the 5-minute running test (5RFT) as a field-based assessment of aerobic fitness by examining its correlation with maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) measured using the Bruce protocol. [Methods] Twenty-one healthy male participants majoring in physical education at S University completed both the 5RFT and a laboratory-based VO2max test using the Bruce protocol. During the 5RFT, oxygen consumption was measured using a portable metabolic gas analyzer (K5, COSMED, Italy). VO2max values from the 5RFT were compared with laboratory-based measurements to determine validity. [Results] The 5RFT showed a strong positive correlation with VO2max measured using the Bruce protocol (r = 0.675, p < 0.05). Additionally, a significant correlation was observed between the 5-minute oxygen consumption measured by K5 and the 5RFT (r = 0.621, p < 0.01). However, mean difference analysis indicated that the 5RFT estimation values were higher than both the K5 and Bruce protocol results (p < 0.001). [Conclusion] The findings suggest that the 5-minute running test, in combination with portable metabolic gas analysis, is a valid and practical method for estimating aerobic fitness in field settings. While the 5RFT may overestimate VO2max values compared to laboratory testing, its strong correlations support its applicability asa convenient alternative assessment tool. [Keywords] 5-minute running test, VO2max, aerobic fitness, field-based assessment, Bruce protocol Validation of the 5-minute running test as a physiological indicator of aerobic fitness Jong-Ho Park1,2 / Keun-Ok An3 / Seong-Eon Kim1,2 1. Department of Physical Education, Sejong University, Seoul, Republic of Korea 2. PulseLAB, Seoul, Republic of Korea 3. Departent of Sports Medicine, Korea National University of Transportation, Chungju, Republic ofKorea INTRODUCTION Athletes require systematic training not only for the development of technical skills but also for the enhancement of advanced physical capacities such as power, strength, aerobic conditioning, and anaerobic conditioning. Similarly, non-athletic populations also require appropriate exercise programs aimed at improving strength, cardiorespiratory endurance, body composition, flexibility, and muscular endurance to maintain overall health1,2 . Previous studies have reported that improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness reduce all-cause mortality, particularly mortality associated with coronary heart disease3. Furthermore, addressing modern health issues such as overweight and obesity requires not only dietary control but also an appropriate balance between exercise and diet. In line with this, According to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) 11th edition guidelines, all adults including overweight and obese populations are recommended to engage in 150~300 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, 75~150 minutes per week of vigorous-intensity exercise, or an equivalent combination of both. For individuals seeking greater health benefits or weight control, higher volumes up to 30

FAQs

What was the purpose of the study?

The study aimed to evaluate the validity of the 5-minute running test (5RFT) as a field-based assessment of aerobic fitness by examining its correlation with laboratory-measured VO2max using the Bruce protocol.

How were participants tested in the study?

Twenty-one healthy male participants completed both the 5RFT and a laboratory-based VO2max test using the Bruce protocol. During the 5RFT, oxygen consumption was measured with a portable metabolic gas analyzer (K5).

What were the main findings about validity?

The 5RFT showed a strong positive correlation with Bruce-protocol VO2max (r = 0.675, p < 0.05). Oxygen consumption measured by K5 during the 5RFT also correlated significantly with the 5RFT (r = 0.621, p < 0.01), though mean differences indicated the 5RFT estimated values were higher than both laboratory measurements.

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by Stanford