Which method is used to assess cardiovascular fitness?

The Rockport Walk Test is an effective method for assessing cardiovascular fitness as it evaluates how well the heart and lungs supply oxygen to the muscles during physical activity. This test requires an individual to walk one mile as quickly as possible, and factors such as the time taken to complete the distance and the person's heart rate at the end of the walk are used to estimate cardiovascular fitness level.

Unlike the Rockport Walk Test, Body Mass Index (BMI) measures body weight relative to height but does not evaluate the efficiency of the cardiovascular system. Skinfold measurements focus on body fat composition rather than cardiovascular health, while the waist-to-hip ratio assesses fat distribution in the body but does not provide insights into the heart and lung function or overall aerobic capacity. All these options contribute to understanding overall health but do not specifically measure cardiovascular fitness like the Rockport Walk Test does.