Queen's College 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 if possible)
• Ensure client is well today
• Note resting heart rate and blood pressure

EQUIPMENT

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

PROTOCOL

• Commence stepping rate of: 22 steps per minute for women (88 bpm), 24 steps per minute for men (96 bpm)
• Continue for 3 minutes. Immediately following then end ask client to sit
• Within 5 seconds, count heart rate for 15 seconds.

STOP TESTING

• If client complains of discomfort whilst performing test

DOCUMENTATION

• ·Manual scoring can be done using formula below:

Men: 111.33 – (0.42 x HR)

Women: 65.81 – (0.1847 x HR)

• Compare to fitness on aerobic capacity table (table 1)

TABLE 1 – NORMS FOR AEROBIC CAPACITY