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V02 with an increase in grade was not significantly different between P1 (4.37) and P2 (4.69). This indicates that 1 min stages appear to allow an adequate V02 kinetic response. Treadmill time was significantly less during P1 (10.1 min) than during the other protocols (Table 11) and was consistent with the recommendations that a total testing time of 7 to 10 min in length is adequate to allow appropriate maximal physiological adjustments (Pollock et al, 1976). There were no differences between protocols in terms of the maximal physiological data obtained, with the exception of RPE max. RPE max was lowest during P1, and significantly lower during P1 than during P3 (P < 0.05). Therefore, it appears that 1 min stages are adequate for a V2 max test and the shorter testing time may have resulted in a lower perception of test difficulty at peak exercise with no reduction in V02 max when compared to protocols of a longer duration. CONCLUSIONS Even though all of the protocols tested elicited similar V02 max data (1.1 % variance between means), we suggest a protocol using 1 min test stages and running speeds that approximate the runner's training pace for the assessment of V02 max. This may result in a lower perception of difficulty throughout the test due to enhanced subject comfort and shorter testing times. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The authors would like to thank Drs. Steven F. Siconolfi and David D. Swett, Jr. for their critical review of the manuscript