3-minute Step Test (YMCA Step Test)

AIM

• To perform a VO2 sub-maximal test

PRE-TEST PROTOCOL

• Ensure client has not eaten a meal, smoked or taken any caffeine drinks within last hour (Test should be deferred if client has consumed any of the above until appropriate time has elapsed possible)
• Ensure client is well today
• Note resting heart rate and resting blood pressure

EQUIPMENT

• 30 cm step
• Metronome
• Heart rate monitor
• Stop watch

PROTOCOL

• Commence stepping rate of 96 bpm
• Continue for 3 minutes. Immediately following the end ask client to sit.
• Record heart rate for the 1 minute period immediately following the test.

STOP TESTING

• If client complains of discomfort whilst performing test.
• If client exceeds maximal heart rate.

DOCUMENTATION

• Use heart rate at the end of 3 minutes (or average of the heart rate over the minute rest period) and compare to fitness on aerobic capacity table

FITNESS CLASSIFICATION

Here are the age-adjusted standards based on guidelines published by YMCA.