Beep Test Calculator for Vision Impaired Athletes

What is the Beep Test for Vision Impaired?

The beep test for vision impaired athletes is a modified version of the standard 20m beep test designed for the specific requirements of athletes with visual impairments. This adapted protocol, based on the shuttle run test described for children with disabilities in The Brockport Physical Fitness Test Manual (Winnick & Short, 2014), maintains the same aerobic assessment goals while incorporating safety modifications and guidance systems.

The test differs from the standard beep test in that modifications are made to enable blind and vision impaired people to perform the test safely and effectively. The modifications implemented depend on the level of vision impairment, ranging from minimal adjustments for partially sighted athletes to comprehensive guidance systems for totally blind participants. For more information on the beep test and its variations, see the complete guide to the beep test. Read more about fitness testing for the disabled.

How to Use This Calculator

Follow these steps to calculate your VO2max and fitness category from the vision impaired beep test:

1. Enter Your Level Completed - Select the last full level you completed before stopping or being unable to keep pace with the beeps.
2. Enter Shuttles at That Level - Select how many shuttles you completed at your final level.
3. Add Your Age - Enter your age in years for accurate VO2max calculation using the Leger formula.
4. Select Gender - Choose male or female for appropriate fitness category norms.
5. Click Calculate - Get instant results including estimated VO2max, total distance, and fitness category.

Equipment Required for Vision Impaired Beep Test

Equipment required: at least 20m space clear of obstacles, marker cones, measuring tape, beep test audio, audio player.

Additional adaptive equipment may include:

• Tether ropes (1-2 meters) for connection to sighted running partners
• Guide-wires or railing systems along the running track
• Modified audio tracks with additional verbal cues
• High-contrast or tactile floor markings at turning points
• Additional safety personnel positioned along the track

Pre-Test Procedures

Pre-test: Explain the test procedures to the subject, including all modifications that will be used. Perform screening of health risks and obtain informed consent. Prepare forms and record basic information such as age, height, body weight, gender, test conditions, and visual impairment classification. Measure out the course and place marker cones. Perform an appropriate warm-up. Allow vision impaired athletes additional familiarization time to walk the course with their guide or using guide-wires. See more details of pre-test procedures.

Test Procedure and Modifications

Procedure: See the standard beep test description. In general, participants run up and back along a 20 meter track in time to audio signals (beeps). The time between the beeps reduces approximately every minute, and the participants continue until they are unable to keep up.

In addition, there are modifications that may be implemented to suit vision-impaired participants, depending on the severity of the vision impairment:

Modifications for Partially Sighted Athletes (B3 Classification)

Those with limited impairment may be able to run unassisted, but with extra helpers located at either end of the 20m track, and along the side, for safety and to verbally guide the runners if necessary. The audio track may be modified to include more cues to when the turning point is approaching, or this can be done verbally by the assistants.

Modifications for Legally Blind Athletes (B2 Classification)

Athletes with significant vision impairment may benefit from:

• High-contrast visual markers at turning points
• Verbal countdown cues as they approach each end
• A training partner running alongside for guidance
• Modified audio with directional cues

Modifications for Totally Blind Athletes (B1 Classification)

Those runners with a greater level of blindness may need the assistance of a sighted running partner, giving verbal directions and attached with a short tether rope or by grasping the partner's elbow. A guide-wire could also be set up to guide the runner along the track.

there are modifications you can make to fitness tests for the blind

Scoring and Results Interpretation

Scoring: The score is the level and number of 20m shuttles reached before they were unable to keep up with the recording. Record the last level completed, which may not necessarily be the level they stopped at. There is a table of norms for the beep test.

VO2max Calculation Formula

This calculator uses the Leger formula for estimating VO2max from beep test performance:

VO2max (ml/kg/min) = 31.025 + (3.238 × Speed) - (3.248 × Age) + (0.1536 × Speed × Age)

Where Speed is the running velocity in km/h at the final level completed.

Fitness Categories for Vision Impaired Athletes

Based on your calculated VO2max and age/gender, you'll be placed in one of five fitness categories:

• Excellent: Top 20% of age/gender group
• Good: Above average fitness level
• Average: Typical fitness for age and gender
• Below Average: Room for improvement
• Needs Improvement: Focus on building aerobic base

Sport-Specific Applications

Paralympic Athletics

Vision impaired sprinters and middle-distance runners use the beep test to monitor aerobic base fitness. Paralympic athletes in the T11-T13 classifications typically aim for levels 12-15+ depending on their event specialization.

Goalball

Goalball players benefit from good aerobic fitness for match endurance. Most competitive goalball athletes target beep test scores of level 8-12, with higher levels beneficial for court coverage and recovery between plays.

Blind Football (5-a-side)

Similar to sighted football, blind football requires excellent cardiovascular endurance. Elite blind footballers often achieve beep test scores of level 11-14, comparable to sighted football players.

Judo (Vision Impaired)

Vision impaired judokas require both aerobic and anaerobic fitness. The beep test provides a measure of aerobic base that supports recovery between matches during competitions.

Target Population and Reliability

Target population: This modified beep test is designed for vision impaired athletes across all classifications (B1, B2, B3).

Reliability: The reliability of the beep test would depend on how strictly the test is run, and the practice allowed for the participants. The modifications made to the test to assist the vision impaired runners should be noted, as this could have affected the results. Studies suggest test-retest reliability remains high (r = 0.89-0.95) when consistent modifications are applied.

Notes: This test can be used when assessing vision impaired athletes as part of the Brockport Testing Protocols.

The Test in Action

• The Beep Test for the Vision Impaired has been adapted from the shuttle run test described for children with disabilities in the Brockport Physical Fitness Test protocols
• Paralympic training centers worldwide use this modified test for athlete monitoring
• The test is recognized by the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) for fitness assessment

How to Improve Your Beep Test Score

For vision impaired athletes looking to improve their beep test performance:

Training Recommendations by Current Level

• Level 1-5: Focus on building aerobic base with 20-30 minute continuous running 3-4 times per week
• Level 6-9: Add interval training (e.g., 400m repeats) twice weekly alongside endurance runs
• Level 10-12: Incorporate high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and tempo runs
• Level 13+: Sport-specific conditioning with varied interval lengths and intensities

Practice the Test Format

Familiarity with the test format, pacing, and turning technique is especially important for vision impaired athletes. Regular practice sessions with guide partners help develop efficient movement patterns and communication.

Similar Tests

• 20m shuttle run test (beep test) — the standard multi-stage shuttle run 'beep' test, a maximal aerobic test which involves running back and forth over 20m in time to recorded beeps.
• Other Modified Beep Tests