Home Step Test

Testing and measurement are the means of collecting information upon which subsequent performance evaluations and decisions are made but in the analysis we need to bear in mind the factors that may influence the results.

Objective

The objective of this test is to monitor the development of the athlete's cardiovascular system.

Required Resources

To undertake this test you will require:

• A 12 inch high bench or step
• A stopwatch
• Metronome or cadence CD**
• Heart rate monitor (optional)
• Assistant

**A copy of the Chester Step Test can be purchased from Coachwise 1st4Sport.

How to conduct the test

This test requires the athlete to step up and down, one foot at a time, onto the step or bench for 3 minutes and to maintain a steady 24 steps/minute

The athlete warms up for 10 minutes The assistant sets the metronome to a 24 steps/minute pace The assistant gives the command “GO” and starts the stopwatch The athlete steps up and down, one foot at a time, onto the step or bench at a steady 24 steps/minute for 3 minutes The assistant ensures the athlete maintains the required 24 steps/minute pace The assistant stops the test after 3 minutes and immediately records the athlete’s heart rate (bpm)

Normative data for the Home Step Test

Male athletes

Table Source: Canadian Public Health Association

Female athletes

Table Source: Canadian Public Health Association

Analysis

Analysis of the test result is by comparing it with the athlete's previous results for this test. It is expected that, with appropriate training between each test, the analysis would indicate an improvement in the athlete's level of fitness.

Target Group

This test is suitable for active and sedentary athletes but not for individuals where the test would be contraindicated.

Reliability

Test reliability refers to the degree to which a test is consistent and stable in measuring what it is intended to measure. Reliability will depend upon how strict the test is conducted and the individual's level of motivation to perform the test. The following link provides a variety of factors that may influence the results and therefore the test reliability.

Validity

Test validity refers to the degree to which the test actually measures what it claims to measure and the extent to which inferences, conclusions, and decisions made on the basis of test scores are appropriate and meaningful. This test provides a means to monitor the effect of training on the athlete's physical development.

Advantages

• Minimal equipment required
• Simple to set up and conduct
• Can be conducted almost anywhere

Disadvantages

• Specific facilities required - gym bench
• Assistant required to administer the test

Page Reference

The reference for this page is:

• MACKENZIE, B. (2007) Home Step Test [WWW] Available from: http://www.brianmac.co.uk/homestep.htm [Accessed

Associated Pages

The following Sports Coach pages should be read in conjunction with this page:

• Articles on Performance Evaluation
• Evaluation and Performance Tests