As the test proceeds, the interval between each successive beep decreases, forcing the athlete to increase their speed over the course of the test, until it is impossible to keep in sync with the recording (or, on extremely rare occasions, until the athlete completes the test). These runs are synchronized with a pre-recorded audio tape, CD or laptop software, which plays beeps at set intervals. The test involves running continuously between two points that are 20 meters apart from side to side. The test was re-published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology in 1988 in its present form with a starting speed of 8.5 km/h and 1 min stages under the name 'The multistage 20 metre shuttle run test for aerobic fitness'

The test was created in 1982 by Luc Léger, University of Montreal and published in 1983 with a starting speed of 8 km/h and stages of 2 min duration. The test is especially useful for players of sports such as rugby, football, Australian rules football, Gaelic football, hurling, hockey, netball, handball, tennis, squash, and fitness testing in schools and colleges plus many other sports employed by many international sporting teams as an accurate test of cardiovascular fitness, one of the more important components of Fitness. It will be in the format of Level 9 Shuttle 7.The multi-stage fitness test, also known as the bleep test, beep test, pacer test, Leger-test or 20-m shuttle run test, is a series of stages that have different tasks sometimes used by sports coaches and trainers to estimate an athlete's VO2 max (maximum oxygen uptake).The pacer test is 'progressive aerobic cardiovascular endurance test'. You finishing score is the point when you miss 2 consecutive 2o metres. You must wait for the beep before leaving the line and returning the 2o metres to the start point.Īs the test progresses the time given to cover the 20 metres decreases. The test involves running the 20 metre course and placing one of foot over the line. The sound track will inform you that the beep test is about to begin. After a light warm up, rest for 2-3 minutes before beginning the test. To perform the beep test you need to measure out a flat 20m course. The beep test contains 21 levels, each lasting 60-65 seconds in length.

The test requires a sound track, which can be down loaded as an mp3 file, a smart phone app or purchased as the traditional tape or CD. Schools, work places, defence services and athletes regularly participate in the beep test.

The Beep Test is the most used aerobic fitness test.

Beep test measurements