Queen's College 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 the Queen's College Step Test (McArdle et al. 1972)^[1] is to monitor the development of the athlete's cardiovascular system.

Required Resources

To undertake this test you will require:

• A step 16.25 inches or 41.3 cm high
• Stopwatch
• Metronome or cadence tape
• Heart rate monitor (optional)
• Assistant

How to conduct the test

This requires the athlete to step up and down on the step for 3 minutes at the following rate:  male 24 steps/minute and female 22 steps/minute

The athlete warms up for 10 minutes The assistant sets up the metronome to the required steps/minute pace (Male 22 and Female 24) The assistant gives the command “GO”, starts the stopwatch and the athlete commences the test The assistant ensures the athlete maintains the required steps/minute pace The assistant stops the test after 3 minutes and records the athlete’s heart rate for 15 seconds (PR)

For an analysis of your VO2max score visit the VO2max page.

Normative data for the Queen's College step up test

The following are national norms for 16 to 19 year olds (Davis 2000)^[2].

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 VO2max.

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. For an assessment of your Vo2max see the VO2max normative data tables.

Advantages

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

Disadvantages

• Specialist equipment required
• Assistant required to administer the test

Free Calculator

Queens College Step Test Calculator - a free Microsoft Excel spreadsheet that you can download and use on your computer.

Referenced Material

1. McARDLE, W.D. et al. (1972) Reliability and iterrelationships between maximal oxygen uptake, physical work capacity and step test scores in college women. Medicine and Science in Sports, 4, p. 182-186
2. DAVIS, B. et al. (2000) Physical Education and the study of sport. 4th ed. Spain: Harcourt. p. 125

Page Reference

The reference for this page is:

• MACKENZIE, B. (2001) Queen's College Step Test [WWW] Available from: http://www.brianmac.co.uk/queens.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