Predict Vo₂ Max (aerobic fitness level)

Over 15 years of testing on over 100 subjects from 6 to 81 years old

Exercise prescriptions are provided for running, walking, cycling and stepping

Measure the effect of diet, exercise and illness on fitness

Features list for the Universal Fitness Tester

Includes software with patented technology, a pulse monitor ...

Frequently Asked Questions

Bibliography of Books and Trade Journals

The people who developed the Universal Fitness Tester

Methods of measuring aerobic fitness, fitness norms in the population...

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Proven Validity

Extensive tests conducted over 15 years by fitness experts including Dr. Esar Shvartz, on over 100 male and female subjects ages 6 to 81 years have shown the following:

The UFT provides a good prediction of Vo₂ max. This was determined in 46 males and 46 females, ages 6 to 78 years. The correlation coefficient between the UFT values and values obtained from direct measurement of Vo₂ max (using 15-minute step tests), is r = 0.93 with a standard error of +/-7 %. This means that in 68 cases out of 100, the error in the prediction of Vo2 max will not exceed +/- 7 %. For example, if your absolute Vo₂ max is 2.5 liters/min the standard e rror is +/- 0.18 liters/min.

The UFT is very reliable, very similar results are obtained upon repeated testing. The correlation coefficient between two UFTs taken a few minutes apart is r = 0.96 with a standard error of 5 %. This was also determined in the above 92 male and female subjects.

Twenty-six males and females of different ages were tested over a 15-year period. Some subjects were tested once a day for one or two-week periods, other subjects were tested once a week for a period of several months, and fourteen subjects were tested 11 years apart. Very similar results were obtained in most cases. Different results were found if subjects started an exercise program, stopped training, or gained or lost weight. Six children (3 boys and 3 girls) and 8 adults (4 men and 4 women) were tested in 1983 and again in 1994. All of the children's values (average age was 8 years in 1983) showed the typical increases in absolute Vo₂ max which occur during childhood and adolescence, increasing from an average value of 1.2 liters/min in 1983 to an average value of 2.8 liters/min in 1994 (average age of 19 years). The adults had average values for age, weight and Vo₂ max of 39 years, 154 lb. (70 kg), and 2.6 liters/min, respectively, in 1983. The subjects did not change their habitual activities during the 11-year period, but there was an average weight gain of 6 lb. (2.7 kg), and absolute Vo₂ max decreased to 2.3 liters/min., which is typical of the age-related decrease in Vo₂ max.

The UFT accuracy is similar to that of blood pressure measured with a sphygmomanometer (inflated cuff), which does not always represent the true pressure inside the artery, and is influenced by operator's errors. In a similar way, the UFT provides only a prediction of maximal oxygen uptake, and it is influenced by the accuracy of heart rate monitoring during the test.