2 km-Walking-Test (2kmWalk)

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1. Test objective

Acquisition of aerobic endurance by determining cardiopulmonary exercise capacity.

The 2km walking test involves completing a flat 2km route as quickly as possible using the walking technique. The pulse rate is displayed via a pulse rate monitor or counted manually during the test. A walking index is calculated using the pulse rate, time required for the 2 km route, age, gender and body mass index. This index provides information about the health-oriented cardiopulmonary performance and allows conclusions about the maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) of the test person. The use of the walking time allows an estimation of performance.

If the test is not performed on a 400 m running track, a 2 km course must first be measured and marked out. Before the start of the test, the test participants are handed out and put on suitable pulse belts and pulse watches. These should be checked immediately for proper function.

The stopwatch is used to measure the required time in minutes and seconds. In addition to the time, the pulse is also recorded. For this purpose, the pulse is recorded shortly before the load, directly after the load and 2 min afterwards.
With the help of evaluation software, a walking index can be calculated, which can be used to compare the data.

Standard values
Normal values exist on the basis of Z-values and percentile ranks. Data basis are approx. 3000 German women aged 20 to 70 years.

In this test task, we want to measure aerobic endurance performance. The task is to cover a 2 km flat distance in as short a time as possible. Make sure not to run, i.e. both feet must not be lifted off the ground at the same time. We note the time used as well as the pulse at the beginning, immediately after the end of the load and 2 minutes after the load.

The functionality of the heart rate monitors must be given. Accurate application of the heart rate monitors prevents monitor problems during running.

Sources of error
Wrong position of the heart rate belt can falsify the result of the heart rate measurement.

Bös, K. (2003). Der 2-km-Walking-Test. Alters- und geschlechtsspezifische Normwerte. Gesundheitssport und Sporttherapie, 19 (6), 2001–2007. Laukkanen, R. (1993). Development and evaluation of a 2-km walking test for assessing maximal aerobic power of adults in field conditions. Kuopio: University of Kuopio.

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