Tecumseh 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 cardio respiratory fitness.

Required Resources

To undertake this test you will require:

• Gym bench or step (8 inches/20.3 cm high)
• Stopwatch
• Assistant

How to conduct the test This test requires the athlete to step up and down on a bench/step for 3 minutes at a rate of  24 steps/minute The athlete warms up for 10 minutes The assistant gives the command “GO”, starts the stopwatch and the athlete commences the test The assistant helps the athlete maintain the 24 steps/minute pace The assistant stops the test after 3 minutes The assistant records the athlete’s heart rate 30 seconds after completing the test

Normative data for the Tecumseh Step Test

The following table, adapted from McArdle et al. (2000)^[1], is for Male athletes over the age of 19. (Heart rate is beats/min)

The following table, adapted from McArdle et al. (2000)^[1], is for Female athletes over the age of 19. (Heart rate is beats/min)

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

• Assistant required to administer the test

Referenced Material

1. McARDLE, W.D. et al. (2000) Training the anaerobic and aerobic energy systems. In: McARDLE, W.D. et al., 2nd ed. Essentials of Exercise Physiology, USA: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, p. 365

Page Reference

The reference for this page is:

• MACKENZIE, B. (2002) Tecumseh Step Test [WWW] Available from: http://www.brianmac.co.uk/tecumseh.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