Cardiovascular Fitness Procedures Manual

Determination of PAR code from responses

The PAR code is one of the determinants of which treadmill protocol will be assigned to the SP.

PAR codes range from 0 to 7. The code is assigned as follows:

If the SP reports little or no regular recreation, sport, or physical activity and avoids walking or

exertion, PAR code = 0

If the SP reports little or no regular recreation, sport, or physical activity and walks for pleasure,

routinely uses stairs, occasionally exercises sufficiently to cause heavy breathing or

perspiration, PAR code =1

If the SP reports participating regularly in recreation or work requiring modest physical activity for

10-60 minutes per week, PAR code = 2

If the SP reports participating regularly in recreation or work requiring modest physical activity for

more than 60 minutes per week, PAR code =3

If the SP reports participating regularly in heavy physical exercise for less than 30 minutes per

week, PAR code = 4

If the SP reports participating regularly in heavy physical exercise for 30-60 minutes per week,

PAR code = 5

If the SP reports participating regularly in heavy physical exercise for 1-3 hours per week, PAR

code = 6

If the SP reports participating regularly in heavy physical exercise for more than 3 hours per week,

PAR code = 7

Sources:

Jackson, Blair, Mahar, Wier, Ross, and Stuteville. (1990). Prediction of functional aerobic capacity
without exercise testing. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 22 (6), 8 63 -870.

Ross and Jackson. (1990). Exercise Concepts, Calculations and Computer Applications. Benchmark
Press.

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