The Step Test The test is useful for selecting men for hard work, for evaluating the progress of physical training, and for determining the adequacy of diets. In this test, speed and simplicity have been increased by sacrificing some of the accuracy of the longer form. The 20 inch step is so high that it tends to penalize short men and also to involve to some extent the factor of agility as well as of general fitness. Consequently gross errors may sometimes be made in judging very short or clumsy men. However, if a lower step is used the work is too easy for men in good condition, which increases the number of errors and impairs the value of the test.If it is desired to apply the test to groups of women, to age groups below 17 years, to ill patients, convalescents, or others for whom the work on the 20 inch stool is too difficult, the height of the stool may be lowered until approximately all but one third of the group can complete the full five minutes of exercise. Equipment One watch, preferably a stop watch, for each observer. A stepping platform 20 inches high (plus or minus not more than 1/4 inch). This should be sturdily constructed so as not to "give" when stepped on. It should be at least 14 inches from front to back. When many men are to use the same step simultaneously it should be long enough to allow at least 30 inches for each man. These 30 inch spaces should be marked off. Standard gymnasium stools, if adjusted to 20 inches in height, are satisfactory.   Conducting the Test As many subjects as there are observers line up in front of the stepping platform. Subjects should be stripped to the underwear and should wear rubber soled shoes or no shoes at all. One observer calls the rhythm. (A simple pendulum consisting of a weight on a string 39 inches long helps in keeping time.) At the signal "Start!" each subject places one foot on the platform, steps up placing both feet on the platform, straightens the legs and back, and immediately steps down again, bringing down first the same foot he placed up first. At exactly two-second intervals the signal "Up" is given, and rhythm is maintained by giving the count: UP! 2 - 3- 4 UP I - 2 - 3 - 4 UP } - 2 - 3 - 4, etc., the command "UP" coming every 2 seconds. The subject should "lead off" with the same foot each time, and not try to alternate feet. However, one or two changes of "lead off" during the test are immaterial, lie must not touch anything with his hands, but may move his arms freely. Begin counting the time when the subject starts exercising and exercise him at the rate of 30 times a minute for five minutes continuously, unless he stops before then from exhaustion. If he falls behind stop him after he has been unable to keep up the pace for 20  seconds. Note the duration of his effort to the nearest second. All men are stopped at 5 minutes if they can go that long. When the subject stops, start counting the time, and have him sit quietly on a chair. Beginning exactly one minute after he stops, count the number of heart beats for exactly 30 seconds. The base of the neck (carotid artery) is an easy place to find the pulse after exercise. Record the duration of effort and the number of heart beats in the 30-second period beginning one minute after he stops. No other observations arc necessary. C. Precautions 1. The platform must be 20 inches high. 2. The rhythm should he maintained as closely as possible. It is   easy to distinguish between those unable to keel) pace from exhaustion and those who merely have a poor sense of rhythm. Only exhausted men should be stopped before five minutes. Those with a poor sense of rhythm call be kept to the pace by a tap on the elbow every 2 seconds. 3. Times must be followed strictly. 4. The subjects must straighten lefts and back at each step. 5. Observers unaccustomed to (minting rapid pulse rates must practice before they can be expected to obtain accurate results. D. Sample Test Name: John Doe   Date: January 7, 2008   Duration: 3 minutes, 35 seconds   Pulses from 1 minute to 1 1/2 minutes in recovery: 79 Fitness for hard work: Low average		Home Components of Physical Fitness Clinical Examination Differences Between Fit and Unfit Men Physiological Elements of Fitness The Step Test The Effects of Training on the Physiological Systems Work Output Physical Condition of Muscle Application of Muscular Force Maintaining Optimum Strength Tests of Muscular Strength Strength and appearance Strength as a measure of physical fitness Strength as affected by organic problems Strength as prophylaxis Role of inactivity in production of disease Lack of Sociability in Work Lactic Acid System Muscular Form Capillary Growth Heart Size Heart Rate Training produces physicochemical changes Muscular Strength Nervous Stimulation and Muscular Strength Quality of Champions Factors Which Limit Skill Kinesthesis Balance Reaction Time Muscular Tension Visual Aim Skill Center in the Brain Distribution of Energy