Cooper-Test (12min)

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1. Test objective

Determines general aerobic endurance.

In the 12-minute run, the test subjects have to cover the greatest possible distance within the specified time. As standard, they run on a 400 m track. If a 400 m track is not available, an oval field with a fixed route can be marked out indoors or outdoors. A timekeeper stands in the middle of the field and starts the test centrally and ends it after 12 minutes. The 100 m line is suitable as a starting line. After the start signal, the participants should run for 12 minutes without stopping. At the stop signal, they should immediately sit down on the spot and wait until a test leader tells them that they can get up. During the run, the test leaders note down the laps completed by the individual test subjects and, after the end signal, also note down the distance covered in the last lap started. Since up to 15 people can run in one run, the test subjects should wear start numbers to make it easier to note down the lap runs.

The reading for each subject is the distance completed in meters in 12 minutes to the nearest 25 meters. Each test leader watches several test persons and notes down each round. After the final whistle, the distance covered in the last lap started is also noted in meters. The total distance covered is then calculated from: Number of laps x 400 m + distance of the last lap.

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Standard values
Cooper proposes a classification of test scores for adults into five performance groups ranging from "very poor" to "very good." Comparative results from empirical studies are available for age- and gender-specific samples. A proposed evaluation with validity for the Federal Republic was published in the journal "Der Übungsleiter" (1973, p. 9). The tables are valid for ages 11 and older and are separate for male and female subjects.

A revision of the norm values for school sports was made by Schneider (2002). Assessment tables for the 12-minute run are also available for the Abitur level in Baden-Württemberg.

In this test you have to run for 12 minutes. You have to cover as long a distance as possible. You will line up at your assigned starting line. At the start command, start running counterclockwise at a steady pace. Don't run too fast right away so you can last the 12 minutes. If you get exhausted, just keep going and don't stop.
After each minute, the time left to run is announced and the last 10 seconds are counted down loudly, i.e. 10-9-8-...-1-0. At "zero", you stop immediately and sit on the ground where you are until a test leader tells you that you can get up.

Before the start, subjects are asked to check their shoelaces again.
Participants are motivated again and again during the 12 minutes.
After the test, the test subjects should walk one more lap to recover.
Any deviation from the prescribed lap length will not lead to comparable results.
The test task is performed with sports shoes.

Sources of error
Test participants do not have a constant pace, but run again and again, which leads to premature exhaustion, or run in groups and not according to individual pace. An individual constant pace must be pointed out.
Shortcutting at course markings in the hall or on the running track.

Bös, K., Schlenker, L., Büsch, D., Lämmle, L., Müller, H., Oberger, J. & Tittlbach, S. (2009). Deutscher Motorik-Test 6-18. (DMT 6 - 18) (Schriften der Deutschen Vereinigung für Sportwissenschaft, 186). Hamburg: Czwalina

Cooper, K. (1970). Bewegungstraining. Praktische Anleitung zur Steigerung der Leistungsfähigkeit. Frankfurt am Main: Fischer

Schneider, F.J. (2002). Revision des COOPER-Tests. Ein Normierungsversuch für das Gymnasium.sportunterricht, 51 (5), 139-147. .

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