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(2026). Margaria-Kalamen Stair Sprint Test — Protocol, Norms and Application. Sporeus. Retrieved, September 25, 2026. https://sporeus.com/en/egzersiz-testleri-en/margaria-kalamen-stair-sprint-test/
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Measures: Alaktik (fosfokreatin) güç, bacak patlayıcı gücü
Table of Contents
Difficulty: Orta | Category: Anaerobik
Protocol
The Margaria-Kalamen Stair Sprint Test, first described by Margaria et al. (1966) and later modified by Kalamen (1968), is an anaerobic power test involving running up staircase steps as fast as possible. Preparation: A staircase of standard dimensions is required: each step approximately 17.5 cm in height, with a vertical height of 1.05 m from the start to the final measurement point. Pressure-sensitive mats or photoelectric cell systems are placed at steps 3 and 9. Participant body weight is recorded in kilograms. Five minutes of warm-up and 2–3 practice trials are performed. Test Procedure: The participant stands ready at the starting line (6 meters in front of the staircase). On command, they sprint toward the stairs and, upon reaching step 3, ascend the steps as quickly as possible. The time between steps 3 and 9 (in seconds) is measured with a precision stopwatch or photoelectric cell. At least 3 trials are performed; the best time is used. Calculation: Power (W) = (BW_kg × g × D) / t g = 9.81 m/s² (gravitational acceleration) D = vertical height between steps 3 and 9 (≈1.05 m) t = measurement time (seconds) Post-Test: The participant descends the stairs slowly as a cool-down. Results are reported in W and W/kg.Formula
Power (W) = (BW_kg × 9.81 × 1.05) / t_sec
Equipment Required
merdiven (standart boyut), fotosel sistemi veya hassas kronometre, terazi
Normative Values (Age: 20-30 (sporcular))
| Classification | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Excellent | >2000 W (>27 W/kg) | >1500 W (>23 W/kg) |
| Good | 1600-2000 W | 1100-1500 W |
| Average | 1200-1600 W | 800-1100 W |
| Below Average | 800-1200 W | 500-800 W |
| Poor | <800 W | <500 W |
Practical Applications
This test is used to assess alactic power dependent on the phosphocreatine system in sprint running, jumping, and power sports (football, basketball, ice hockey) athletes.Limitations
Finding a standard staircase can be difficult. Measurement errors are significant without a photoelectric cell system. May pose risk for individuals with a history of knee injury.Related Tests: Vertical Jump Test, Wingate Test, Force-Velocity Test
Sources: Margaria R et al., 1966, J Appl Physiol; Kalamen J, 1968, Measurement of Maximum Muscular Power (Thesis)
References
- Margaria R, Aghemo P, Rovelli E. (1966). Measurement of muscular power (anaerobic) in man. Journal of Applied Physiology, 21(5): 1662-1664. doi:10.1152/jappl.1966.21.5.1662
- Kalamen J. (1968). Measurement of maximum muscular power in man (Doctoral dissertation). Ohio State University. https://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1486646311372958
- Bar-Or O. (1987). The Wingate anaerobic test: an update on methodology, reliability and validity. Sports Medicine, 4(6): 381-394. doi:10.2165/00007256-198704060-00001
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Key Facts
Protocol The Margaria-Kalamen Stair Sprint Test, first described by Margaria et al. (1966) and later modified by Kalamen (1968), is an anaerobic power test involving running up staircase steps as fast as possible. Preparation: A staircase of standard dimensions is required: each step approximately 17.5 cm in height, with a vertical height of 1.05 m from the start to the final measurement point. Pressure-sensitive mats or photoelectric cell systems are placed at steps 3 and 9. Participant body weight is recorded in kilograms. Five minutes of warm-up and 2–3 practice trials are performed. Test Procedure: The participant stands ready at the starting line (6 meters in front of the staircase). On command, they sprint toward the stairs and, upon reaching step 3, ascend the steps as quickly as possible. The time between steps 3 and 9 (in seconds) is measured with a precision stopwatch or photoelectric cell. At least 3 trials are performed; the best time is used. Calculation: Power (W) = (BW_kg × g × D) / t g = 9.81 m/s² (gravitational acceleration) D = vertical height between steps 3 and 9 (≈1.05 m) t = measurement time (seconds) Post-Test: The participant descends the stairs slowly as a cool-down. Results are reported in W and W/kg. Formula
Power (W) = (BW_kg × 9.81 × 1.05) / t_sec
Equipment Required
merdiven (standart boyut), fotosel sistemi veya hassas kronometre, terazi
