The use of the walk test for the development of exercise guidelines

The general interest in the application of exercise testing to evaluate the work capacity or change in the functional ability of individuals has resulted in the development of a variety of non-invasive field tests such as the one-mile-walk test. Health professionals often find it difficult to incorporate the results of such a field test in a format that can be used to advise individuals about how to start a safe and effective exercise program. This paper presents a computer program written in BASIC that determines an individual's maximal aerobic work capacity from a one-mile-walk test and establishes safe walk/jog guidelines that can be used to enhance physical fitness. Results are summarized in tabular as well as graphical format. This program, coupled with a new understanding of the benefits of exercise, allows for much more effective and precise exercise programs that will result in the improvement of the cardiovascular system and enhance the likelihood of long-term compliance.