Chester 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 (Note: Test should be deferred if client has consumed any of the above until appropriate time has elapsed if possible)
• Ensure client is well today
• Note resting heart rate and blood pressure

EQUIPMENT

• 30 / 20 / 15 cm step
• Metronome
• Heart rate monitor
• Stop watch
• Borg RPE scale

PROTOCOL

• Calculate the subject’s maximum heart rate (MHR) and 80% MHR. (220 – age = MHR; MRH x .8 = 80% MHR)
• Draw two horizontal lines on graph (table 1) to represent these values
• Apply heart rate monitor.
• Determine appropriate step height

o 15cm: Short stature, obese, cardiovascular disease, sedentary

o 20cm: Short stature, overweight, smoker, cardiovascular disease, sedentary, >40 years old

o 30cm: Normal stature, healthy weight, active, <40 years old

• Initiate stepping rate at 15 steps per minute (60 bpm) Stage 1. Continue x 2 minutes. If heart rate is below 80% MHR and RPE < 14 then progress to next stage.

o Stage 2: 20 steps per minute (80 bpm)

o Stage 3: 25 steps per minute (100 bpm)

o Stage 4: 30 steps per minute (120 bpm)

o Stage 5: 35 steps per minute (150 bpm)

STOP TESTING

• If client complains of discomfort whilst performing test

DOCUMENTATION

• Draw the best visually straight line through points on the graph up to MHR.
• At this intersection drop a perpendicular line down to predict VO2 max
• The nomogram can be used to give a fitness rating.

BORG SCALE RATE OF PERCEIVED EXERTION

CHESTER STEP TEST NONOGRAM