10m Shuttle Beep Test Calculator

About the 10m Shuttle Beep Test

The 10m multi-stage fitness test is an aerobic fitness test designed for children with cerebral palsy (CP) classified at Level I or Level II on the Gross Motor Function Classification System. The test was described by researchers at the Rehabilitation Centre De Hoogstraat, Utrecht, The Netherlands (Verschuren et al., 2006). This test is a variation of the 20m beep test. There is also a wheelchair version of this test: 10m Wheelchair Shuttle Test for those with CP. See also the similar 10m Incremental Shuttle Walk Test for people with COPD. See more on beep test modifications.

How to Use This Calculator

Follow these steps to calculate aerobic fitness results for the 10m shuttle beep test:

1. Select Test Protocol: Choose SRT-I (Shuttle Run Test Level I) for children classified at GMFCS Level I who can walk without restrictions, or SRT-II for children at GMFCS Level II with walking restrictions. SRT-I starts at 5 km/h while SRT-II starts at 2 km/h.

2. Enter Performance Data: Input the final level achieved (the last complete level before the child could no longer maintain pace) and the number of shuttles completed in that final level. Each shuttle represents one 10-meter run between the markers.

3. Add Heart Rate (Optional but Recommended): Enter the peak heart rate from the wrist monitor at test completion. A heart rate above 180 bpm indicates maximal effort, which is crucial for accurate assessment of aerobic capacity.

4. Review Results: The calculator provides total distance covered, final speed achieved, total test duration, and performance benchmarks appropriate for the child's GMFCS level. Results help track progress over time and guide training intensity.

Pro Tip: For accurate monitoring of aerobic capacity improvements, conduct the test under similar conditions (same time of day, similar temperature, after adequate warm-up) and always use heart rate monitoring to ensure maximal effort.

Test Protocol and Equipment

Equipment required: Flat, non-slip surface, marking cones, 10m measuring tape, heart rate monitor, pre-recorded CD (can be created using the team beep test software).

Pre-test procedures: Explain the test procedures to the subject. Perform screening of health risks and obtain informed consent. Prepare forms and record basic information such as age, height, body weight, gender, test conditions. Measure and mark out the course. Ensure that the participants are adequately warmed-up. See more details of pre-test procedures.

Test layout: The cones are placed 10 meters apart, with cones and tape marking the end points clearly visible to the child.

Procedure: Participants should wear regular sports clothing and shoes, and orthoses if applicable, and also wear a heart rate monitor. Children walk or run between the two markers at incremental speeds, in time to the pre-recorded CD. The test continues until the subject is unable to keep in sync with the recording.

Understanding the Test Protocols

Test variations: There are separate protocols for children at each CP GMFCS level (SRT-1 and SRT-2):

The Level I shuttle run test (SRT-I) is for children classified at GMFCS Level 1 (i.e., able to walk indoors and outdoors without restrictions). The SRT-I starts at 5 km/h and increases by 0.25 km/h every level (minute). This protocol is appropriate for children with better motor control who need a more challenging starting point.

The Level II shuttle run test (SRT-II) is for children classified at GMFCS Level 2 (i.e., able to walk indoors and outdoors with restrictions). The SRT-II starts at 2 km/h and also increases by 0.25 km/h every level (minute). This lower starting speed accommodates children with greater movement challenges while still providing progressive intensity.

Both protocols use the same 10-meter distance and one-minute level duration, with the speed incrementally increasing to progressively challenge the child's aerobic system. See also the similar 10m Incremental Shuttle Walk Test (ISWT) for different populations.

Scoring and Interpretation

Scoring: The athlete's score is the level and number of shuttles (10m) reached before they were unable to keep up with the recording. The heart rate is read from the wrist monitor at the end of the test and noted. This heart rate can be used to check whether a person has performed maximally (heart rate > 180 bpm).

Performance benchmarks vary by GMFCS level. Research by Verschuren et al. (2010) established reference values for children with CP:

For GMFCS Level I (SRT-I): Children typically achieve levels between 4-10, with elite performers reaching level 8 or higher. Average performance for this population centers around levels 5-7, depending on age and training status.

For GMFCS Level II (SRT-II): Expected performance ranges from levels 2-8, with excellent performance indicated by reaching level 6 or higher. Average performance typically falls between levels 3-5.

The calculator automatically provides performance categories based on these validated benchmarks, helping coaches and therapists assess progress and set appropriate training goals.

Clinical Applications and Training Use

Target population: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) classified at GMFCS Levels I and II who are ambulatory and capable of running or fast walking between markers.

This test serves multiple important functions in pediatric rehabilitation:

Baseline Assessment: Establishes initial aerobic fitness levels for children beginning structured physical therapy or training programs, providing objective data to guide intervention intensity.

Progress Monitoring: Regular testing (every 3-6 months) tracks improvements in cardiovascular fitness resulting from intervention programs. The high test-retest reliability ensures that meaningful changes can be detected.

Program Design: Results inform appropriate exercise intensity for training programs. Heart rate data from the test helps establish target training zones for cardiovascular conditioning.

Motivation and Goal-Setting: Concrete performance metrics help children set achievable goals and visualize their fitness improvements over time, enhancing adherence to exercise programs.

Scientific Validation

Reliability: The test has excellent test-retest reliability for exercise time, with intraclass correlation (ICC) coefficients of 0.97 for the SRT-I and 0.99 for the SRT-II. Heart rate measurements also show strong reliability with ICC coefficients of 0.87 for the SRT-I and 0.94 for the SRT-II. These high values indicate the test produces consistent results across multiple administrations.

Validity: High correlations were found for the relationship between data for both shuttle run tests and data for the treadmill test (both r = 0.96), demonstrating that the 10m shuttle test accurately measures aerobic fitness capacity comparable to laboratory-based treadmill protocols.

Advantages Over Alternative Tests

Advantages: The standard 20m beep test is not suitable for many children, particularly if they have a disability, because the starting speed of 8 km/h and 1 km/h speed increases every minute are beyond their capabilities. The 10m shuttle beep test addresses these limitations with:

• Appropriate Starting Speeds: Beginning at 2 km/h (SRT-II) or 5 km/h (SRT-I) allows children with movement restrictions to participate successfully
• Gradual Progression: The 0.25 km/h increments per level provide finer progression compared to the standard test's 0.5-1 km/h jumps
• Shorter Distance: The 10-meter shuttle distance is more manageable for children with coordination challenges and reduces turning demands
• Field-Based Simplicity: Beep-type tests for testing aerobic capacity in children with CP are better alternatives to treadmill protocols often used in clinical practice, as most children with CP have problems with movement coordination and an equinus position of the foot. The increasing speed and inclining floor of treadmill tests are particularly problematic for this population
• Practical Implementation: Can be conducted in school gyms or therapy facilities without expensive equipment

Test Limitations

Disadvantages: As with all beep-type tests, practice and motivation levels can influence the score attained, and the scoring can be subjective. Specifically for the 10m shuttle test:

• Requires familiarization sessions to ensure children understand the pacing requirements
• Performance may be affected by orthotic devices or assistive equipment, though these should be worn to represent functional capacity
• Turning technique can impact performance - children with asymmetric movement patterns may favor one turning direction
• Floor surface must be carefully selected to prevent slipping while allowing adequate traction
• Results should always be interpreted in context of heart rate data to confirm maximal effort was achieved

Training Recommendations Based on Results

Test results provide valuable guidance for designing appropriate cardiovascular training programs:

For Below-Average Performance: Focus on building aerobic base with continuous moderate-intensity activities lasting 15-20 minutes. Activities might include adapted cycling, swimming, or supported treadmill walking at 60-70% of peak heart rate achieved during testing.

For Average Performance: Introduce interval training incorporating work periods at 70-85% of peak heart rate alternated with recovery periods. Sessions of 20-30 minutes with 2:1 work-to-rest ratios can improve aerobic capacity while managing fatigue.

For Above-Average Performance: Implement more challenging interval protocols with 1:1 work-to-rest ratios or longer continuous efforts at higher intensities (75-90% peak heart rate) to continue pushing cardiovascular adaptations.

All programs should include adequate warm-up and cool-down periods, and training frequency should be 3-4 sessions per week for optimal adaptation. Re-testing every 12-16 weeks helps adjust training intensity as fitness improves.

Similar Tests

• 10m Incremental Shuttle Walk Test (ISWT) — 10m multi-stage walking shuttle test designed for patients with COPD.
• 10m Wheelchair Shuttle Test — 10m multi-stage wheelchair shuttle test for those with CP
• Beep Test for the Blind — 20m shuttle run test with modifications to assist those with vision impairment.

Related Pages

• Tests for the Disabled
• The complete guide to the beep test, for links to much more information.
• You can create your own variation of the beep test using the team beep test software.
• Modified beep tests
• Guide to Variations of the beep / bleep test.
• Beep Test Software — provides the standard Multistage Fitness Test or Bleep Test right on your PC or Laptop, with many additional features such as creating your own test version.
• About Sports for the Disabled