http://www.topendsports.com/testing/tests/track-test.htmUniversity of Montreal Track TestThe beep test was originally developed from the University of Montreal Track Test, an incremental continuous running aerobic fitness test conducted around a 400m running track, which followed audio cues that increased each minute. The 20m shuttle run test evolved from this by reducing the space required and making it possible to perform indoors so that environmental conditions could be controlled. The original article by Lger and Lambert (1982) described a protocol of two minute stages or levels, which was reduced to one minute stages when presented in an article two years later (Lger et al. 1984).The Universit de Montral Track Test (UM-TT) is a continuous maximal indirect multistage running field test based on the energy cost of running, which was a precursor to the Beep Test. purpose:The test evaluates an individual's aerobic fitness. equipment required:400m running track,marker cones,measuring tape, Fit Test CD (no longer available), cd player. procedure:a full description of the test procedures is available with the cd or audio tape and associated booklet (no longer available). The test is conducted on a 400 meter running track, with marker cones located at every 50 meters along the track. The first stage is set at a walking speed of 6 km per hour (which requires 5 Mets); thereafter the speed is increased by 1.2 km per hour (1 Met) every two minutes. The change in speed is indicated by audio cues from the pre recorded tape. The test is ceased when the subject falls five or more meters short of the designated marker, or when the subject feels they cannot continue the stage. scoring:The score is the distance covered in meters. The score can also be converted to a VO2max score using the following equation by Ahmaidi et al. (1992), where velocity is determined by the distance covered in 30 seconds during each stage.VO2 max= 1.353 + (3.163 velocity in last stage ) + ((0.0122586 (velocity in last stage)2) target population:This test would be suitable for team sports such as football, rugby, AFL, field hockey, team handball and basketball. advantages:The test is easy to conduct. Large groups can perform this test all at once for minimal costs (once the kit has been bought). disadvantages:Practice and motivation levels can influence the score attained, and the scoring of when a person cannot keep in time with the test can be subjective. As the test is usually conducted outside, the environmental conditions can also affect the results. Thebeep testwas developed from this test to enable it to be performed indoors and with less space required. other considerations:This test is a maximal test, which requires a reasonable level of fitness. It is not recommended for recreational athletes or people with health problems, injuries or low fitness levels.