fitnessASSIST

The Chester Aerobic Fitness Tests Resource Pack is a comprehensive aerobic fitness testing kit and includes the Chester Step, Chester Treadmill Walk & Chester Cycle Test protocols. The Chester Step Test resource pack includes protocol and methodology manual, a dual format data CD which features two audio tracks, calculator software and PDF instruction manual.

The Chester Step Test is one of fitnessASSIST's key brands. Since 1999, fitnessASSIST has been involved in the development and application of the test. As a sub maximal test of aerobic fitness, it has been subject to a variety of validation studies and can now be described as an easy to use, accurate and reliable test of aerobic fitness.

The Chester Step Test has been adopted by corporate organisations around the world as a method of assessment for aerobic fitness. Approved by the Home Office for use in the assessment of firefighters fitness, it is widely used by fire brigades, airport fire services, police and ambulance services. The Chester Step Test is also used in cardiac rehabilitation departments to assess and set goals in the development of a patients aerobic fitness. Leisure and health clubs also use the Chester Step Test as an integral part of their health programmes.

The Chester Step Test is a sub maximal test to determine aerobic fitness and cardio-respiratory health. The protocol of stepping to the metronome bleep enables the subject to achieve a predetermined heart rate value (i.e. 80% of their max assumed maximum heart rate).The heart rate increases with increasing work load. Once the heart rate is at 50% of the assumed maximum, the stroke volume element ceases to be a factor in cardiac output leaving only heart rate to supply the increasing demand for oxygen. Hence heart rate increases in a linear fashion with increasing workload. The linear increase in work load and heart rate essentially holds true from a point where heart rate is 50% of the assumed maximum heart rate through various increasing levels of workload, until the heart rate is at 80% of the assumed maximm heart rate. The point at which the predicted heart rate reaches its predicted maximum heart rate is the estimated VO2 max reading (maximal Oxygen Uptake).

The test is not especially geared towards athletic testing this we would advise the Cosmed Fitmate PRO for measuring directly or offering an absolute value of aerobic fitness. The Chester Step Test & Treadmill Walk tests gives all members of the general public a guide into their level of health and fitness.

Key Features:

• Excellent for monitoring and assessing aerobic capacity Highly useful for testing in the police and fire service whereby physical fitness and aerobic capacity are essential
• Easy to perform and interpret results No technical skill required
• Dual Format CD Facilitates the use of CD in audio as well as computer devices

Box Includes:

• Dual format CD
• Audio tracks, calculator software and PDF instruction manual
• Resource manual pack

Technical Specification:

• Printed manual
• Dual format CD : separated data and audio tracks