Preview
Hüseyin Akbulut, MSc (2026). Queens College Step Test — Protocol, Norms and Application. Sporeus. Retrieved, July 9, 2026. https://sporeus.com/en/egzersiz-testleri-en/queens-college-step-test/
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Measures: Kardiyorespiratuvar uygunluk (VO₂ maks tahmini)
Table of Contents
Difficulty: Easy | Category: Aerobic
Protocol
The Queens College Step Test, developed by McArdle et al. in 1972, is a submaximal step test protocol. It is shorter than the Harvard Step Test and applicable to a wider population. Preparation: A 41 cm (16.25 inch) step is required. A metronome is set to 24 steps/min for men and 22 steps/min for women. The participant wears comfortable athletic clothing and appropriate footwear. Test Procedure: The participant steps up and down for 3 minutes. The stepping cycle is: left foot up, right foot up, left foot down, right foot down (4 counts). Tempo differs between sexes. The participant should stand erect and maintain rhythm throughout. Recovery Heart Rate Measurement: Immediately after the test ends (within the first 5 seconds), the participant sits. The pulse is counted during the 15-second window from the 5th to the 20th second. This value is multiplied by 4 to calculate recovery heart rate (HR_recovery). Calculation: Male: VO₂max (ml/kg/min) = 111.33 − (0.42 × HR_recovery) Female: VO₂max (ml/kg/min) = 65.81 − (0.1847 × HR_recovery) Post-Test: The participant cools down with light activity. Results are compared to normative tables by sex and age.Formula
VO₂max (male) = 111.33 - (0.42 × HR_recovery); VO₂max (female) = 65.81 - (0.1847 × HR_recovery)
Equipment Required
41 cm yüksekliğinde basamak, kronometre, metronom
Normative Values (Age: 18-25)
| Classification | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Excellent | <120 bpm toparlanma | <126 bpm toparlanma |
| Good | 120-134 | 126-140 |
| Average | 135-148 | 141-155 |
| Below Average | 149-162 | 156-170 |
| Poor | >163 | >170 |
Practical Applications
The Queens College Test is ideal for rapid group assessments in field conditions, school physical education, and large-sample research. It requires minimal equipment and can be administered in a short time.Limitations
Accurate measurement of recovery pulse requires skill; miscounting reduces test reliability. Individual differences in recovery speed affect results.Related Tests: Harvard Step Test, Chester Step Test, Rockport Walk Test
Sources: McArdle WD et al., 1972, Med Sci Sports; ACSM Guidelines, 2021
References
- 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. Medicine and Science in Sports, 4(4): 182-186. PMID: 4648576
- Chatterjee S, Chatterjee P, Bandyopadhyay A. (2004). Validity of Queen’s College Step Test for use with young Indian men. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 38(3): 289-291. doi:10.1136/bjsm.2004.011932
- American College of Sports Medicine. (2021). ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription (11th ed.). Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer.
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Key Facts
Protocol The Queens College Step Test, developed by McArdle et al. in 1972, is a submaximal step test protocol. It is shorter than the Harvard Step Test and applicable to a wider population. Preparation: A 41 cm (16.25 inch) step is required. A metronome is set to 24 steps/min for men and 22 steps/min for women. The participant wears comfortable athletic clothing and appropriate footwear. Test Procedure: The participant steps up and down for 3 minutes. The stepping cycle is: left foot up, right foot up, left foot down, right foot down (4 counts). Tempo differs between sexes. The participant should stand erect and maintain rhythm throughout. Recovery Heart Rate Measurement: Immediately after the test ends (within the first 5 seconds), the participant sits. The pulse is counted during the 15-second window from the 5th to the 20th second. This value is multiplied by 4 to calculate recovery heart rate (HR_recovery). Calculation: Male: VO₂max (ml/kg/min) = 111.33 − (0.42 × HR_recovery) Female: VO₂max (ml/kg/min) = 65.81 − (0.1847 × HR_recovery) Post-Test: The participant cools down with light activity. Results are compared to normative tables by sex and age. Formula
VO₂max (male) = 111.33 - (0.42 × HR_recovery); VO₂max (female) = 65.81 - (0.1847 × HR_recovery)
Equipment Required
41 cm yüksekliğinde basamak, kronometre, metronom
