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The StairMaster Submaximal Fit Test
The StairMaster branching protocol is a series of 3-minute stages of
continuous exercise at increasing intensity. The first stage is a warmup at
approximately 4 METs. The intensity of the remaining stages is based on the
heart rate response to the warmup. The test is designed to raise the steady-
state heart rate of the subject to 110 to 150 beats/min for two consecutive
stages. It is important to remember that two consecutive heart rate measure-
ments must be obtained in the 110 to 150 beats/min range to predict VO
2max
.
The test typically lasts from 9 to 15 minutes.
In the StairMaster protocol, each work rate is performed for 3
minutes, with heart rates recorded during the final 4 seconds of the 2
nd
and 3
rd
minutes of each stage. If the heart rates are within 5 beats/min, then the
heart rate during the last minute is plotted against the work rate, and the pro-
gram advances to the next 3-minute stage. The program continues for 2 to 4
stages until 2 steady state heart rates between 110 to 150 beats/min are ob-
tained in 2 consecutive stages. The line generated from the plotted points is
then extended to the age-predicted maximal heart rate. A corresponding maxi-
mal work rate and VO
2max
can then be calculated.
At the end of the 3
rd
minute of each stage, if the heart rates at the end
of the 2
nd
and 3
rd
minute are not within 5 beats/min of each other, then that
work rate is maintained for an additional minute. At the end of the 4
th
minute,
the heart rate is compared to the heart rate at the end of the 3
rd
minute. If the
heart rates are within 5 beats/min, then the heart rate during the 4
th
minute is
plotted against the work rate. If the heart rate at the end of the 3
rd
and 4
th
minute are not within 5 beats/min, then the work rate is maintained for one
more additional minute. If the heart rate at the end of the 4
th
and 5
th
minutes
are within 5 beats/min, then the heart rate at the end of the 5
th
minute is plot-
ted against the work rate. If the heart rate at the end of the 4
th
and 5
th
minutes
are not within 5 beats/min, then the test failed.
Once 2 consecutive heart rate measurements are obtained in the 110
to 150 beats/min range, then the test ends successfully and the results are
displayed. The estimated maximum aerobic capacity is shown in ml/kg/min
and METs. Next, the results are compared to normative values for others of
the same age range and gender (see Table 1). Results are stored in the
FITNESS TESTS
