Harvard step test

Endurance and time to exhaustion are also important components of athletic performance. Decreases in either measure were observed in several studies (19,21,38 12). Holland (38) noted a 10% reduction in work performed during all-out cycle ergometer exercise after 24 hr of sleep deprivation. Brodan and Kuhn (39) evaluated subjects (n = 7, sleep debt = 120 hr) with the Harvard step test (reflects cardiorespiratory endurance and recovery) and revealed adaptation during the test but impaired recovery. Martin (41) utilized treadmill testing at 80% V02 max and found decreased time to exhaustion, increased perceived exertion, and increased minute ventilation (n = 8, sleep debt = 36 hr). Martin and Chen (42) revealed a 20% reduction in time to exhaustion after 50 hr of sleep deprivation. Decreased time to exhaustion after 30 hr of sleep deprivation has been demonstrated even when subjects were allowed caffeine intake (21). 

Tests for general fitness include the 6-minute walking distance and the Harvard step test. For the 6-minute walking distance, the subject simply walks a predetermined route or circuit as fast as possible for 6 minutes. The greater the distance covered, the better are the patient s general fitness and exercise tolerance. For the Harvard step test, the subject steps up and down on a 20-in step at a set rate for 5 minutes. A 1 -minute rest period is followed by measurement of the subject s recovery heart rate. The lower the recovery heart rate, the better is the subject s general fitness. 

In a later study (MOD12), 14 subjects exposed to a Ct of 14.7 mg min m 3 of sarin (mean erythrocyte inhibition of 50%) carried one-third of their body weight up and down a 40.5-cm step 30 times a minute for 5 min (the Harvard pack test). This was done 45 min and 24 h after exposure. Their fitness index, which includes heart rate and other measures, did not differ from that of a group exposed to agent but not exercised. 

Chen, D.L. Xu, N.Q. Zhang, L.M. Male and female college students at harvard to run step test index and... 

---