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Egzersiz Testleri

Chester Step Test — Protocol, Norms and Application

Measures: Submaksimal aerobik kapasite, VO₂ maks tahmini

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Difficulty: Kolay  |  Category: Aerobik

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.

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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/dak >40 ml/kg/dak
Good 38-46 ml/kg/dak 32-40 ml/kg/dak
Average 30-38 ml/kg/dak 24-32 ml/kg/dak
Below Average 22-30 ml/kg/dak 16-24 ml/kg/dak
Poor <22 ml/kg/dak <16 ml/kg/dak

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

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Key Facts
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

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Hüseyin Akbulut
WRITTEN BY
Hüseyin Akbulut, MSc

Sport scientist and researcher. Founder of Sporeus, Turkey's evidence-based sport science platform.

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