Queens Step Test

What is it testing?

This is a test of VO 2max.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The Queens test is a very simple procedure that can be performed anywhere and is very quick to complete. It is also suitable for individuals of all levels which is useful. The difficulty however, is making sure all participants are working at the same intensity. The reliability is questionable due to this fact and it is also not the most specific test either. The validity is also quite low as it is a submaximal and indirect test. Finally, it works the quadriceps muscles quite intensely which can cause pain the following day if not used to this type of activity. The main advantage to this procedure is the ease and speed it can be completed in.

Required Equipment / Facilities / Personnel

• A step (41.3cm high approximately)
• Stopwatch
• Metronome (ideally)
• Assistant

Process

Participants are required to step up and down on the step with both feet continuously for 3min. Males should step at a rate of 24 steps per minute and females at 22 steps per minute. It is important to keep a steady step rate, and that is the reason for having a metronome. However, if this is not possible then an assistant can keep count – working in pairs is also a way to resolve the problem as they can swap duties. At the end of the test subjects should wait 5s and then count their pulse for 15s. This figure should then be recorded for further analysis.

Analysing Results

Analysis is done by using the information gathered in an equation to gain an estimation of VO 2max. The equation is shown below:

Men: VO2 max = 111.33 – (0.42 x pulse).
Women: VO2 max = 65.81 – (0.1847 x pulse).