Affiliations: Human Performance Research and Development, DGPFSS
Canadian Forces, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada | Department of Sport and Exercise Science, University
of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Tara Reilly, Human Performance
Research and Development, DGPFSS Canadian Forces, 4210 Labelle st., Ottawa,
Ontario, Canada K1A 0K2. Tel.: +1 613 818 2713; Fax: +1 613 995 2425; E-mail:
tara.reilly@forces.gc.ca
Abstract: Several emergency response organisations have introduced a minimum
aerobic fitness test to predict performance on critical tasks, as well as to
help ensure some protection against the cardiovascular stress associated with
emergency situations. A popular indirect sub-maximal test of aerobic fitness is
the step test; this test relies on the relationship between exercise intensity,
heart rate and aerobic capacity. This relationship, and the tests that rely on
it, are not valid for individuals who are on prescribed medication (often for
high blood pressure) that alter the heart rate response to exercise. Objective: The purpose of the work described in this paper was to develop a
sub-maximal test of aerobic fitness that did not rely on heart rate. Participants and Methods: Eighty-four subjects undertook the Tecumseh step
test and a six-minute maximal walk test. Results: A Pearson Product
correlation of r=− 0.81, P< 0.01 was
identified between the distance that an individual could walk in six minutes
and their heart rate response to the step test. Conclusions: It is concluded that the walk test offers a valid alternative to the step test for
the indirect sub-maximal assessment of aerobic fitness.
Keywords: Heart rate, emergency service, predictive, fitness standard
