Intl. j. Basic. Sci. Appl. Res. Vol., 2 (5), 435-438, 2013
International Journal of Basic Sciences & Applied Research. Vol., 2 (5), 435-438, 2013
Available online at http://www.isicenter.org
ISSN 2147-3749 ©2013 VictorQuest Publications
Assessment of The Validity of McArdle Step Test for Estimation Oxygen Uptake
(Vo2max)
Zar Abdossaleh*, Safari Mohammad Amin
Department of Physical Education & Sport Science, University of Jahrom, Islamic Republic of Iran
*Corresponding Author Email: [email protected]
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to assess the suitability of the McArdle step test for
determine maximum oxygen uptake in male students. For this purpose we randomly
selected thirty male students of Shiraz University, with mean age, height, and weight
of 22.6 year, 166.4 cm, and 56.9kg, respectively. Vo2 max of each participant was
determined by shuttle run test and also by applying McArdle test within an interval of
seven days between the tests. The mean of Vo2 max subjects were 45.53 (ml/kg/min)
in Shuttle run (20 m) test and 44.53 (ml/kg/min) in McArdle step test. Also, the results
show that Exhibited significant statistical correlation (r=0.71, p<0.001) between the
two tests. The result suggest that McArdle step test can be applied in the studied
population to produce a good estimation of maximum oxygen uptake, specially in the
field where large numbers of participants are to be evaluated without a well equipped
laboratory.
Keywords: Vo2 max, McArdle step test, Male university students, Shuttle run test.
Introduction
Cardio respiratory fitness is in fact the capacity of heart, lung, blood vessels to brought the oxygen and food for muscles
during Specific time (Rogers, 1990). Uncouthly, much of the victories and resist ration of records in sport competitions and also
having physical healthiness is due to cardiorespiratory fitness which in directly related to efficiency of cardiorespiratory and the rate
of maximum oxygen consumption of person (Asadmanesh, 1997). Maximum oxygen consumption is one of the parameter of
resistance performance (Satipati, 2005). Vo2max is the maximum amount of oxygen that a person consume during maximal exercise
and many expert of sport sciences have an announced it as a method for evaluating aerobic fitness and as factor for predicting the
success of athletes in resistance activities. Various methods have designed for measuring Vo2 max either in laboratory or in field.
Although the methods in laboratory has high validity and precision, but because of its high costs it is not suitable for everyday
(Haghravan, 1993). In this regard, the presentation of suitable methods- which is easy to perform and which have high credibility in
measuring the fitness of Cardiorespiratory-is necessary on the other hand, the field Methods are cheaper and more apply able than
those of laboratory (Haghravan, 1993).
The precise measurement of Vo2 max requires expensive laboratory equipment, much time and to some extent enough
motivation. But instead of direct measurement for Vo2 max, we can use indirect method and the McArdle step test complex is useful
for this purpose (Patricia, 1998). Validity means that weather the test used to measure something, really measures it or not?
(Asadmanesh, 1997). Cardiorespiratory fitness and maximum oxygen consumptions are one the important and credible parameter of
healthy, physical fitness and endurance capacity (Haghravan, 1993; Zahrayee, 1996). The precise evaluation of this parameter by
step test always was uncertain and to some extends with diversion. For this reason, the credibility and capability of the test in
evaluating in the subject to more studies. The 20 meter shuttle run test and McArdle step test is the field tests to measurement of
maximum oxygen consumption (Vo2 max). Because performing these tests requires less equipments small space and one
metronome are required-must of the times and at most circumstances we can use them. Cooper (2005) in a research evaluated the
validity and reliability of 20 meter shuttle run test for measuring the rate of Vo2 max in young active men and concluded that the 20
meter shuttle run test is a suitable test for measuring Vo2 max. Montgomery at 1992 in a reliability research studied the 20 meter
shuttle run test with running for 6 minutes on treadmill .the researcher got %68 of correlation coefficient between two tests
(Asadmanesh, 1997). Safrit got %72 correlation coefficient for men and %75 for women in step tests in contract with Vo2 max of
treadmill (Zahrayee, 1996). McArdle in a study that 41 young women (18-22) took part, got %75 of correlation coefficient (McArdle,
534
Intl. j. Basic. Sci. Appl. Res. Vol., 2 (5), 435-438, 2013
1972). Also, Zwiren (1991), reported %73 of correlation coefficient for this test and that of Vo2 max of treadmill. According to the fact
that each of these tests in performed in different procedure and each of them requires specific instruments and equipment which can
be not at access. So, this research is pursuing top show to which extent, these two tests in determining Vo2 max have correlation. In
other words, the most accurate assessment of aerobic capacity is the direct measurement of maximum oxygen uptake (VO 2max)
during a graded exercise test. However, despite its level of accuracy, direct measurement of VO2max is primarily reserved for the
laboratory setting because of the cost of the equipment, the need for trained technicians, and the inability to test large numbers of
people at one time. For these reasons, the aim of this research is to compare and show the different of the result of Vo 2 max of male
students of Shiraz University by these two tests (20 meter shuttle run test and McArdle step test).
Methodology
The study was an experimental research. Since the study was performed on human beings, so all variants were not
controllable. The research method was half empirical. The static society composed of all male students of shiraz university who were
passing general physical education and among them 30 male student, with mean age, height, and weight of 22.6 year, 166.4 cm,
and 56.9kg, respectively, were randomly selected as a static sample. First all of the information of their physical status, their medical
and sport background was gathered by questionnaire. Then, the information regarding their cardio respiratory capabilities measured
by utilizing two kinds of tests were statically analyzed on the basis of hypothesis of the study. Description of Shuttle run (20 m) test:
This test involves continuous running between two lines 20m apart in time to recorded beeps. For this reason the test if also often
called the ‘beep’ or ‘bleep’ tests. The time between recorded beeps decrease each minute (level). There are several versions of the
test, but one commonly used version has an initial running velocity of 8.5 km/hr, which increases by 0.5 km/hr each minute
(Zahrayee, 1996).
Scoring: The athletes score is the level and number of shuttles (20m) reached before they were unable to keep up with
the recording. This score can be converted to a Vo2 max equivalent score using calculator and also an estimation of Vo2 max can be
calculated form the test results, using the formula below (Ramsbottom, 1988):
Vo2max (ml/kg/min)=31.025+3.238  Speed –3.248  Age +0.1536  Speed  Age
Description of McArdle step test: The athlete steps up and down on the platform at a rate of 22 steps per minute for females and at
24 steps per minute for males, for a total of 3 minutes. The athlete immediately stops on completion of the test, and the heart beats
are counted for 15 seconds from 5-20 seconds of recovery (Zahrayee, 1996).
Scoring: an estimation of Vo2 max can be calculated form the test results, using the formula below (McArdle, 1972):
Vo2max (ml/kg/min) = 111.33-0.42  Heart Rate
It should be noted that of tests were performed separately in two weeks and subjects performed the tests at a same day in each
week and at the same time.
Data analysis
The data were analyzed using SPSS 11.4 with Pearson’s coefficient of correlation and statically significance was set at P  0.05.
Results
The Mean and standard variation of Maximum oxygen uptake ,resulted from two tests-20 meter shuttle run test and
McArdle step test-is presented at table1. The mean of Vo2 max subjects were 45.53 (ml/kg/min) in Shuttle run (20 m) test and 44.53
(ml/kg/min) in McArdle step test. Also the Variance of Vo2 max estimation between McArdle step test and shuttle run (20m) is
represented by figure 1. The results of analysis of data represented significant correlation (r=0.71, p<0.001) between 20 meter
shuttle run test and McArdle step test in assessing maximum oxygen uptake. As table 2 shows, correlation coefficient is (r=0.71,
p<0.001) and there is significant correlation between 20 meter shuttle run test and McArdle step test.
Table1. Mean and Standard deviation of Vo2 max McArdle step test and shuttle run (20m).
Shuttle run(20 m) test
McArdle step test
Mean
Standard deviation
Sample number
45.5341
44.5333
6.2075
5.3481
30
30
Table2. Correlation between Vo2 max estimation between McArdle step test and shuttle run (20m).
Result
Significant
534
P-Value
0.000
Correlation coefficient
0. 71
Vo2 max estimation of shuttle run test(20 m)
Intl. j. Basic. Sci. Appl. Res. Vol., 2 (5), 435-438, 2013
60.00
Y=14.59+0.7*x
55.00
50.00
45.00
40.00
R Sq Linear = 0.507
35.00
35.00
40.00
45.00
50.00
55.00
60.00
Vo2 max estimation of Mc Ardle test
Figur1. Variance of Vo2 max estimation between McArdle step test and shuttle run (20m).
Discussion and Conclusion
Finding of present study regarding McArdle step test represent a significant correlation (r=0.71) between this test and that
of 20 meter shuttle run test. But there is differences between correlation coefficient of this study and that of other studies, such as
Zwiren (1991) (McArdle step test and treadmill r=0.51). The reason of such difference can be the age and gender of subjects. In a
research directed by Gay (2004), the validity of step test in studied in comparison with ergo-meter bicycle test for measuring
maximum oxygen consumption (Vo2 max) and there are was not a significant difference results. According to this result, it is
purposed that step test can be used for measuring maximum oxygen consumption (Vo 2 max) in studying samples (Chatter, 2004).
The other study directed by Satipati (2005) to evaluation the validity of step test for estimating maximum oxygen consumption (Vo2
max) of female student. At the end, they realized that in big samples, the step test can be used to estimate the maximum oxygen
uptake, where there is no access to well equipment laboratory. Buckley et al., (2004) evaluated the validity and reliability of step test
for estimating the maximum oxygen uptake (Vo2 max). The result showed that there are was not significant differences of Vo2 max
between the groups. Rodgers et al., reported significant relation between the result of (Vo 2 max) of step test and running on treadmill
and shuttle run (Rogers, 1990).
The finding of current study show significant correlation with that of other studies. Although there is a difference between
correlation coefficient of this study and that of others in some cases, but there differences are not high and significant. The main
reasons for these differences are related to age, gender and the differences of characteristics of subjects. In conclusion, the finding
of current study reported a significant and direct correlation between two tests, McArdle step test and 20 meters shuttle run test, for
estimating the maximum oxygen uptake (Vo2 max). Accordingly, it can be suggested that these two tests can be used substituted.
Whenever it is impossible to perform 20 meter shuttle run test we can substitute other tests such as McArdle step test.
References
Rogers MA, Hagberg JM, Martin WH, Ehsani AA, 1990. Decline in VO2max with aging in master athletes and sedentary men. J Appl
Physiol. 68: 2195-2199.
Asadmanesh A, 1997. Surveying validity of shuteel run test and step test in measuring cardiorespiratory fitness of students. MA
Thesis.University of Tehran.
Satipati CJ, Pratima C, Amit B, 2005. Validity of queens college step test for estimation of maximum oxygen uptake in female
student. Indian J Med Red. 121: 32-35.
Haghravan J, 1993. Surveying validity of 600yard test and step test in measuring cardiorespiratory fitness of students. MA
Thesis.Tarbiat moallem University, Tehran.
Patricia J, McSwegin SA, Plowman GM, Wolff GL, 1998. The validity of a One-Mile walk test for high school age individuals.
Measurement in Physical Education and Exercise Science. 2(1): 47-63.
534
Intl. j. Basic. Sci. Appl. Res. Vol., 2 (5), 435-438, 2013
Zahrayee H, 1996. Surveying and comparing physical and physiological characteristics of wrestling athletes. MA Thesis, University
of Tehran.
Cooper SM, Baker JS, Tong RJ, Roberts E, Hanford M, 2005. The repeatability and criterion related validity of the 20m multistage
fitness test as a predictor of maximal oxygen uptake in active young men. Br J Sports Med. 39: 19-26.
McArdle WD, Katch FI, Pechar GS, Jacobson L, Ruck S, 1972. Reliability and interrelationships between maximal oxygen intake,
physical work capacity and step-test scores in college women. Med Sci Sports. 4: 182-6.
Zwiren, Linda D, Patty, 1991. Estimation of vo2max A comparative analysis of five Exercise tests . R.Q. 62(1): 73-76.
Ramsbottom, 1988. A progressive shuttle run test to estimate maximal oxygen uptake. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 22: 141-5.
McArdle WD, 1972. Reliability and interrelationships between maximal oxygen uptake, physical work capacity and step test scores in
college women. Medicine and Science in Sports. 4: 182-186.
Chatter jee S, Chatterjee P, Mukherjee PS, Bandyopadhyay A, 2004. Validity of Queen College step test for use with young Indian
men. Br J Sports Med. 38: 289-291.
Buckley JP, Sim J , Estom RG, Hession R, Fox R, 2004. Reliability and validity of measures taken during the chester step test to
predict aerobic power and to prescribe aerobic exercise. Br J Sports Med. 38:197-205.
534