Skip to main content Skip to content
Egzersiz Testleri

Queens College Step Test — Protocol, Norms and Application

Laktat Eşiği Saha Testi — Protokol, Normlar ve Uygulama
1 min read

Measures: Kardiyorespiratuvar uygunluk (VO₂ maks tahmini)

Table of Contents
  1. Protocol
  2. Formula
  3. Equipment Required
  4. Normative Values (Age: 18-25)
  5. Practical Applications
  6. Limitations

Difficulty: Kolay  |  Category: Aerobik

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 atım/dak toparlanma <126 atım/dak 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

Share

Don't miss the latest in sports science

Join our reader community for evidence-based sports science insights, training tips, and early access to new content.

Was this helpful?
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

Share X / Twitter
Hüseyin Akbulut
WRITTEN BY
Hüseyin Akbulut, MSc

Hüseyin Akbulut is the founder of Sporeus and author of THRESHOLD (EŞİK), a 540-page Turkish-language book on endurance science. He holds a Master's degree in Sport Sciences and writes for…