• Study Summary
• Status
• Unit role
• Funding
• Data sharing

Study Summary

The step test is a sub-maximal exercise test which provides an estimation of maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) from simple heart rate measurements. It has advantages over other forms of cardiovascular fitness testing (treadmill, cycle ergometer) as it is relatively low cost, portable and feasible as stepping is a more natural activity.

The aim of this study was to test the validity of the step test currently being used in-house, and other short sub-maximal exercise tests for the estimation of VO2max in 200 participants (100 adults and 100 children). More specifically, the study aimed to assess the validity of the step test and a simple short walk test in various age groups including children (9-12-years), adolescents (13-18 years), adults (19-50 years) and older adults (50-65 years). The criterion method was a graded peak treadmill test (VO2max). This included estimates of fitness which can be derived purely from routinely available information collected during free-living monitoring.

Status

Field work completed. Processing of data and method development is in progress in order to facilitate analysis and publication.

Unit role

Unit led with responsibility for data.

Funding

MRC core funded.

Data sharing

Please see our Data Sharing pages.