Investigation 3.5 To measure maximum aerobic power. The Queen’s College
Step Test
This investigation is a very simple method of determining maximum aerobic power. The data used to
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predict O2max (ml kg min ) was based on the results of male and female college students at
Queen’s College in New York. The students had their O2max measured using a treadmill test
procedure and measuring actual oxygen consumed. The same students then completed the step test
procedure outlined below and their recovery heart rate scores (in beats per minute – bpm) were
tabulated against O2max measurements from the treadmill procedure. So, a given student had
his/her actual O2max correlated against his/her heart rate score as shown in Table 3.7. This test
procedure has been validated using a large number of individuals, each individual being tested on
several occasions.
Materials: stepping bench (41 cm high), stopwatch, metronome.
Task 1
1. Establish the step cadence: for females set the metronome at 88 beats per minute, for males
at 96 beats per minute. Practise the step rhythm to adjust to the cadence of the metronome.
The sequence is left up/right up/left down/right down – each element to a single metronome
beat.
2. Take a rest and when you are ready, begin to step for 3 minutes at the set step cadence.
3. At the end of the exercise period remain standing for 5 seconds. Then take your pulse count
at the carotid artery for a 15-second count. Multiply by four to give the heart rate score in
beats per minute (bpm).
4. Using the information in Table 3.7, work out your predicted O2max and percentile ranking,
based on your recovery heart rate value.
Task 2 – collation of results
1. Record your results and those of male and female students in your class in Table 3.8.
2. Compare group results. Work out the percentage differences between male and female
values. Are there any differences within your group? Account for these differences.
3. Work out your predicted O2max for your total body mass by multiplying O2max (ml kg−1
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min ) by your body weight (kg). How does this value relate to the values given earlier in this
unit?