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Measurement of Cardiovascular Endurance: The Step Test

Many versions of the step test are available. Probably the most common is the original 5-minute step test. This test and its variations are not as good as the 12-minute run test or the 1.5-mile run test, but because of practical considerations, it is often used, particularly with large groups of students.

An accurate measurement of the heart rate is necessary if the results form this test are to be meaningful. If you have trouble counting your heart rate, the results will not be accurate. For this evaluation the pulse will be counted for 30-second counts while remaining seated. Refrain from talking and unnecessary movement during periods when heart rates are being counted; these activities can influence your results.

Results should be recorded in the space below.

TRIAL BEATS/30 SEC    BEATS/MIN
1 _____ x 2 _____
2 _____ x 2 _____
3 _____ x 2 _____
4 _____ x 2 _____

The step test is based on the premise that for all submaximal work the person with a higher level of cardiovascular fitness not only will have a smaller increase in heart rate but also will have a heart rate that returns to normal faster after the task than it would in a person with a normal level.

Purpose

The purpose of this test is to obtain immediate knowledge of the level of cardiovascular efficiency.

Method

Do not perform any activity before this test; no warmup is allowed. A 20-inch bench should be used for men, and a 16-inch bench for women. Step up to and down from this bench at the rate of 30 steps/min. The same foot must start the "stepup" each time, and an erect posture must be assumed. Continue the activity for a maximum of 5 minutes or until you are unable to maintain the set rate. The heart rate is counted for a 30-second period, starting exactly 1 minute after completion of the last step (that is, from 1 to 1.5 minutes after completion of the task).

Results

Record the results in the spaces provided.

Time of stepping ______ seconds
Heart rate ______ beats/30 sec (1 to 1-5 minutes of recovery)

The physical efficiency index (PEI) may be estimated by consulting Table 3-9, or it may be calculated using the following procedure.

Calculation of PEI
PEI = (Time of stepping [sec] x 100)/(5.5 x heart rate for 30 seconds)
  = (_____ x 100) / (5.5 x _____)
  = (_____) / (_____)
  = _______
Interpretation

The results are interpreted in Table 3-10.


Table 3-9: Scoring for the Harvard Step Test*
Duration of Test (Minutes) Total Heart Beats 1-1 1/2 Minutes Into Recovery (Score Arbitrary Units).
40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70-74 75-79 80-84 85-89 90-94 95+
0 - 1/2 6 6 5 5 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 3
1/2 - 1 19 17 16 14 13 12 11 11 10 9 9 8
1 - 1 1/2 32 29 26 24 22 20 19 18 17 16 15 14
1 1/2 - 2 45 41 38 34 31 29 27 25 23 22 21 20
2 - 2 1/2 58 52 47 43 40 36 34 32 30 28 27 25
2 1/2 - 3 71 64 58 53 48 45 42 39 37 34 33 31
3 - 3 1/2 84 75 68 62 57 53 49 46 43 41 39 37
3 1/2 - 4 97 87 79 72 66 61 57 53 50 47 45 42
4 - 4 1/2 110 98 89 82 75 70 65 61 57 54 51 48
4 1/2 - 5 123 110 100 81 84 77 72 68 63 60 57 54
5 129 116 105 96 88 82 76 71 67 63 60 56

From Consolzaio F, Johnson R, Pecora L: Physiological measurement of metabolic functions in man, New York, 1963, McGraw-Hill.

*Instructions:
  1. Find the appropriate line for the time stepping was continued.
  2. Find the appropriate column for the pulse count for the 30-second period; do not multiply this by 2 -- it is a 30-second count that is used.
  3. Read the score where this line and the column intersect.
Score Cardiovascular Classification
55 or below Very Poor
56 - 64 Poor
65 - 79 Average
80 - 89 Good
90 or above Excellent

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