Application of the Cooper Twelve-Minute Run-Walk Test to Young Males

The study was designed to establish norms for the Cooper 12-minute run-walk test applicable to young males. Eighty boys, 11 through 14 years of age, served as subjects. The mean distance covered by the 11- and 12-year-olds during the 12-minute run-walk was 2,308 yards. The mean distance covered by the 13- and 14-year-olds was 2,507 yards. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P<.01). The test-retest reliability coefficient for the test on a subsample was .92. Maximal aerobic capacity was also measured with a subsample of 17 subjects to determine the relationship between aerobic capacity and run-walk performance. The correlation coefficient between aerobic capacity and run-walk performance was .65. While the correlation was statistically significant (P<.01), caution is advised in attempting to predict aerobic capacity from run-walk performance with young urban subjects.