Chester Step Test — Protocol, Norms and Application

Measures: Submaksimal aerobik kapasite, VO₂ maks tahmini

Table of Contents

1. Protocol
2. Formula
3. Equipment Required
4. Normative Values (Age: 20-39)
5. Practical Applications
6. Limitations
7. References

Difficulty: Easy  |  Category: Aerobic

Protocol

The Chester Step Test, developed by Sykes and Roberts, is a progressive, submaximal step test used in occupational health and safety assessments. Particularly applied in workplace settings, it consists of five cadence stages, with heart rate monitored at each stage to determine test termination. Preparation: A sturdy 30 cm step is prepared. The audio recording is loaded and a heart rate monitor is fitted. The participant is informed that the test will be terminated at any point when the target heart rate is reached. Protocol: The test consists of 5 stages, each lasting 2 minutes: – Stage 1: 15 steps/min – Stage 2: 20 steps/min – Stage 3: 25 steps/min – Stage 4: 30 steps/min – Stage 5: 35 steps/min Heart rate is recorded during the last 30 seconds of each stage. The test ends when target HR (80% of maximum, typically (220 − age) × 0.80) is exceeded or the participant indicates inability to continue. Calculation: VO₂max is estimated using tables based on the HR value and stage number of the last completed stage. Sykes-Roberts regression equations are separated by sex and age. Post-Test: The participant continues slow stepping for a 2–3 minute cool-down. All HR and stage data are reported.

Formula

VO₂max tahmini: Sykes-Roberts tablosundan son aşama KAH ve aşama numarasına göre hesaplanır

Equipment Required

30 cm yüksekliğinde basamak, ses kaydı (kadans için), kalp atım hızı monitörü, kronometre

Normative Values (Age: 20-39)

Classification	Male	Female
Excellent	>46 ml/kg/min	>40 ml/kg/min
Good	38-46 ml/kg/min	32-40 ml/kg/min
Average	30-38 ml/kg/min	24-32 ml/kg/min
Below Average	22-30 ml/kg/min	16-24 ml/kg/min
Poor	<22 ml/kg/min	<16 ml/kg/min

Practical Applications

The Chester test is used in occupational health settings for worker fitness assessment, firefighter and law enforcement personnel selection, and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation.

Limitations

Although the 30 cm step height is standardized, relative load may vary with participant height. HR-based termination criteria may be misleading for individuals on heart rate-altering medications.

Related Tests: Harvard Step Test, Queens College Step Test, 6-Minute Walk Test

Sources: Sykes K & Roberts A, 2004, Occup Med; Buckley JP et al., 2004, Br J Sports Med

References

1. Sykes K, Roberts A. (2004). The Chester step test—a simple yet effective tool for the prediction of aerobic capacity. Physiotherapy, 90(4): 183-188. doi:10.1016/j.physio.2004.03.008
2. Buckley JP, Sim J, Eston 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. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 38(2): 197-205. doi:10.1136/bjsm.2003.005389
3. American College of Sports Medicine. (2021). ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription (11th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.