What is a step test. How the step test and other tests determine readiness for physical activity Step test results 10 11 years

This method was developed in 1942 in the fatigue laboratory at Harvard University. By using Harvard step test recovery processes are quantitatively evaluated after dosed muscular work. The step test differs from the previously known functional tests both in the nature of the load performed by the test subject and in the form of recording the test results.

Test methodology. Physical load is given in the form of climbing a step. The height of the step and the time to complete the test depend on gender, age and physical development subject. The subject is asked to climb the step for 5 minutes with a frequency of 30 times in 1 minute. Each ascent and descent consists of four motor components:

1. - the subject stands on the step with one foot;

2. - the subject stands on the step with both feet, taking strictly vertical position;

3. - the subject puts back on the floor the leg with which he began the ascent;

4. - the subject lowers the other leg to the floor.

Step Height and Climb Time for the Harvard Step Test[Karpman V. L. et al., 1988]

When lifting and lowering, the arms perform the usual movements for walking. During the test, you can change the leg with which the lift begins several times. For strict dosing of the frequency of ascents to the step and descent from it, a metronome is used, the frequency of which is set equal to 120 beats / min. In this case, each movement will correspond to one beat of the metronome.

Before conducting the Harvard step test, you must first demonstrate the test to the subject, and then give him the opportunity to try it out. If the subject is not able to climb the step for 5 minutes, then the time during which the muscular work was performed is recorded. To do this, when conducting a test, you must have a stopwatch. The test may be terminated if the subject, as a result of fatigue, begins to lag behind the specified climbing rhythm for 20 s.

Mistakes that are usually made when performing the Harvard step test:

  • non-observance of the correct rhythm;
  • incomplete straightening of the knee structures on the step;
  • incomplete straightening of the body on the step;
  • placing the foot on the floor on the toe.

The subject must be informed in advance about possible errors when performing this exercise.

In the Harvard step test, an attempt was made to strictly dose physical activity. At the same time, this dosage is conditional to a certain extent, since the power of performing physical activity cannot be determined accurately.

A certain advantage of the Harvard step test is that, although the time of its execution is fixed, but if the subject stops working before the specified time, then it can still be evaluated. Thus, the influence of the subjective attitude of the subject to the testing procedure is reduced.

After the end of physical activity, the subject rests while sitting. Starting from the 2nd minute, his heart rate is calculated 3 times in 30-second intervals: from the 60th to the 90th, from the 120th to the 150th and from the 180th to the 210th second of the recovery period. The values ​​of these three counts are summed up and multiplied by 2 (converting from bpm to bpm). The test results are expressed in arbitrary units in the form of the Harvard step test index (HST), the value of which is calculated from the equation:

IGST = T(100/(f2 +f3+f4) 2,

where T is the actual time of physical activity in seconds; f2, f3, f4 - the sum of heart rate for the first 30 minutes of each (starting from the 2nd) minute of the recovery period.

The value 100 is necessary to express the IGST in integers, and the number 2 is necessary to convert the sum of heart rate for 30-second periods of time into the number of heartbeats per minute.

When determining the IGST, the heart rate for the 1st minute of the recovery period is not taken into account. This has its positive and negative sides. On the positive side, in the early recovery period, heart rate depends on a large number of factors, some of which are not related to muscle work (for example, moving from an upright position while climbing a step to a sitting position). The negative side is that this does not take into account sufficiently the individual reactivity of the human cardiovascular system in the 1st minute of recovery.

Evaluation of test results. The value of IGST characterizes the speed of recovery processes after strenuous physical activity and is estimated on a scale. The faster the heart rate recovers after the step test, the smaller the f2+f3+f4 value and, consequently, the higher the IGST.

When conducting mass examinations, when it is necessary to save time, another formula can be used to calculate the IGST, in which the heart rate value calculated during the first half of the 2nd minute of the recovery period (f2) is entered:

IGST \u003d T * 100 / f2 * 5.5.

The Harvard step test is a fairly significant stress test. According to the average data, the heart rate at the 5th minute of climbing a step reaches 175 bpm. In this case, full recovery of heart rate occurs no earlier than after 20 minutes of the recovery period. Oxygen consumption during the test averages 3.5 L, pulmonary ventilation reaches 75 L/min. All this indicates that the Harvard step test can only be used for persons with sufficient physical fitness. It is not advisable to use this test for untrained people.

In addition to the considered methodology, there are step tests that take into account (for standardization) the anatomical features of the subject: leg length, body weight, ascent rate and other parameters. This allows you to more accurately select the load for the subject to the level of its submaximal values.

The main disadvantage of the Harvard step test is the low accuracy in dosing the load and the predominantly qualitative analysis of the indicators recorded before and after the end of physical activity - in the recovery period. All this leads to the fact that when re-examination or when comparing the results obtained, there are significant errors in the quantitative assessment of the data.

Evaluation of the results of the Harvard step test[Karpman V. L. et al., 1988]

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Evaluation of the severity of types of work and exercises, control of heart rate and proper breathing

Work in breathing apparatus is divided into 4 groups according to the degree of severity: light, medium, heavy and very heavy.

Dependence of heart rate and air consumption on the degree of severity of work

Each gas and smoke protector must be able to determine their own heart rate, for training it is necessary to count heart rate within 15 seconds and multiply the result by four. The maximum heart rate should not exceed 170 beats / min. If, after performing several exercises, the heart rate of the gas and smoke protector is 160 beats / min. and after resting for 2-3 minutes, the gas and smoke protector does not decrease, and is removed from further training. The control of breathing technique for gas and smoke protectors included in insulating breathing apparatus is carried out by the head of the training. When working in isolating breathing apparatus, breathing should be rhythmic, infrequent, deep. The exhalation should be slightly longer than the inhalation. For working out correct breathing a short run with counting the number of steps is recommended. At the same time, inhale for 3-4 steps and exhale for 5-6 steps.

Evaluation of certain types of work and exercises according to the degree of severity

No. p / p Exercises Travel speed, m/min Severity of work
1 2 3 4
1. Establish communication via signal intercom Light
2. Put on RPE, switch on and off from the device -//-
3. Calculate air (oxygen) by pressure and time using the calculation table -//-
4. Walking horizontally (slow) 50-60 Medium
5. Walking horizontally (accelerated) 85-90 heavy
6. Horizontal run (slow) 110-110 -//-
7. Climbing up the stairs 9-11 -//-
8. Descent down the stairs 10-12 Light
9. Walking on a log 20-25 Medium
10. Climbing a vertical ladder 10 Very heavy
AND. Descending the vertical stairs 12 Medium
12. Crawling on all fours 18-20 -//-
13. Crawling through a narrow hole 6-8 heavy
14. Carrying the victim horizontally by two firefighters 30-40 -//-
15. Climbing the stairs with the victim 5-6 -//-
16. Descent with the victim down the stairs 6-7 -//-
17. Working with the trunk, knitting rescue loops, fastening the rope to the structure and carabiner Medium
18. Carrying a load weighing 60kg horizontally by two firefighters 35-40 -//-
19. Carrying a load weighing 30 kg horizontally by one firefighter 50-55 heavy
20. Climbing stairs with a load of 30kg 6-7 -//-
21. Descent down the stairs with a load of 30kg 7-8 Medium
22. Movement with a barrel under the pressure of water around the premises (water pressure 4.0 -4.5 atm.) 45-50 heavy
23. Shoveling sand (work with a shovel, pace 14-16 throws) -//-
24. Working with a non-mechanized tool for opening structures, re-edging the beam at a distance of one meter (metal beam, reinforced concrete beam, rail weighing 100 - 120 kg per person) heavy
25. Jumper setting Medium
26. Laying hose lines from the car at a distance of 60 m with the connection of the trunk 60 heavy
27 Self-rescue from the second floor window Medium
28. Working with power tools -//-
29. Walking up stairs, opening and closing doors 30-40 heavy
30. Conducting reconnaissance to find the source of a fire or a person 20-25 Light
31. Evacuation of material assets (furniture, cylinders, boxes with sand, etc.) 10-15 heavy
32. Shutting off the valves of damaged gas pipelines and disconnecting electrical networks Medium
33. Installation of a smoke exhauster heavy
34. Opening doors and partitions with non-mechanized tools Medium
35. Lifting a load in a thermal chamber (load weight 10 kg) to a height of 1.5 m (rate 20 times per minute) -//-
36. Carrying goods in a thermal chamber (cargo weight 10 - 12 kg) 50-60 -//-
37. Work in foam -//-

The frequency of training in RPE.

The following frequency of training in RPE is established:

- on fresh air - once a month. Conducted by the head of the guard on duty, at a separate post - by the head of a separate post according to the methodological plans approved by the immediate supervisor, with the application of the training documents necessary for the head of the lesson to conduct them;

– in the open air during fire-tactical exercises and exercises to solve fire-tactical problems- once a month. Conducted by the head (deputy head) of the subdivision according to the methodology corresponding to the plans for conducting exercises and classes to solve fire-tactical problems, their tasks and tactical plan;

– in an area with an environment unsuitable for breathing (heat and smoke chamber)- once a quarter. Conducted by the head (deputy head) of the unit according to the methodological plans approved by the immediate supervisor, with the attachment of the documents necessary for the head of the lesson to conduct them;

- on the firing line of psychological training- at least one training session per year (during the summer or winter period of training) according to the methodology that meets the requirements for conducting classes on the firing line of psychological training. Conducted by the head (deputy head) of the unit according to methodological plans approved by the immediate supervisor. Training in an area with an unsuitable environment for breathing is carried out under the supervision of a medical professional

Methodology for assessing the level of adaptation of gas and smoke protectors to physical loads in a thermal chamber and determining the level of physical performance of a gas and smoke protector

Operational control of the level of adaptation of gas and smoke protectors on duty guards to physical loads under conditions of thermal exposure and the level of physical performance is carried out according to a special method. The control is organized and carried out by the head (deputy head) of the unit once a year:

1) control of the level of adaptation to thermal loads - during the first quarter of the new academic year during training in the fresh air or in an area with an environment unsuitable for breathing;

2) control of the level of physical fitness - at the end of the academic year during the final test.

The results are documented in a protocol and entered into the personal card of the gas and smoke protector.

Methodology for assessing the level of adaptation of gas and smoke protectors to physical loads in a thermal chamber

For dosing physical activity, a motor step test is used with the determination of the pulse rate. The step test index (IST) is used to determine the response of the cardiovascular system to heavy physical activity under certain conditions.

The test consists in monitoring the heart rate (HR) during the recovery period after the gas and smoke protector performs a dosed physical load in a thermal chamber. I

The following tools are used to carry out the test:

1) stopwatch, 2) metronome, 3) steps 50 cm high, at least 40 cm wide, 35 cm deep.

Conditions for the step test:

– temperature in the thermal chamber 30 °C, relative air humidity 25-30%;

- the uniform of the examined gas and smoke protector is everyday;

  • the frequency of climbing a step is 30 rises per 1 minute (the metronome pendulum is set to 120 beats / min). For gas and smoke protectors with a height of less than 176 cm, the ascent to the step is carried out at the pace of the metronome pendulum 110 beats / min .;
  • the step test is performed in four steps, each of which corresponds to one beat of the metronome;
  • step test execution time - 5 minutes.

Test methodology.

The examined gas and smoke protector becomes facing the step and after the preparatory command “Attention, march!” starts stepping up the step in time with the metronome. On the count of “one”, he puts his foot on the step; on "two" he stands on it with both legs, straightens his legs and assumes a strictly vertical position; on "three" he lowers to the floor the same leg with which he began the ascent; on "four" becomes two feet on the floor. You must always start and end the test with the same foot. During the test, it is allowed to change the leg several times. When lifting and lowering, the arms perform the usual movements for walking.

Before starting the test, the gas and smoke protector must be familiarized with the technique of its implementation and allowed to perform 2-3 trial ascents. It is necessary to ensure that the subject does not make mistakes.

Mistakes that are usually made when performing a step test: non-observance of the correct rhythm; incomplete straightening knee joints on the step; incomplete straightening of the body on the step; placing the foot on the floor on the toe.

The examined gas and smoke protector must be informed in advance about possible errors when performing this test.

In cases where the gas and smoke protector lags behind the climbing rhythm for 20 s due to fatigue, the test is stopped and the time is recorded. If the gas and smoke protector stops the test due to fatigue before the set time (less than 5 minutes), then the actual time during which the work was performed is recorded.

After performing the step test, the gas and smoke protector rests while sitting on a nearby chair. The metronome is turned off, but the stopwatch is not stopped. For the first minute, the gas and smoke protector rests calmly in a comfortable position. During the first 30 s. second, third and fourth minutes. recovery (after 30-second time intervals) the heart rate is counted and recorded. The data from these three counts are summed and multiplied by two (translation of heart rate in 1 minute).

The test results are expressed in conventional units as a step test index. The step test index is calculated in two ways: complete And abbreviated form.

Full form:

Where t– ascent time in seconds

ƒ 1 , ƒ 2 , ƒ 3 – the number of pulse beats in the first 30 s for 2, 3 and 4 minutes. recovery.

The assessment in full form is given in the table.

Evaluation of the adaptation of gas and smoke protectors to physical loads in a thermal chamber (full form)

Short form:

The abbreviated form is used, as a rule, for mass surveys. Abbreviated assessment.

Evaluation of the adaptation of gas and smoke protectors to physical loads in a thermal chamber (abbreviated form)

When the test is aborted, the calculation uses the actual step climb time in seconds.

The greater the value of IST, the better the adaptation of the cardiovascular system to physical and thermal loads.

When re-examining the same gas and smoke protector, IST reflects quite well the dynamics of the functional state of the cardiovascular system and working capacity.

METHODOLOGY for determining the level of physical performance of a gas and smoke protector

The methodology for determining the level of physical performance is based on the method of a functional test with a dosed physical load with the determination of the pulse rate. The test consists in determining the power of physical activity at which the heart rate

contractions after working in is set at 170 beats. in 1
min. Heart rate (HR) is recorded at the beginning of the 4th minute of the first and second physical activity.

This test is denoted by the symbols PWC 170 from English - physical work capacity, the translation of the symbol as "physical performance".

The following tools are used to carry out the test:

1) stopwatch, 2) metronome, 3) two steps for dosing the load, 50 cm high and 25 cm high, each not less than 40 cm wide, 35 cm deep.

Test conditions:

  • the form of clothing of the examined gas and smoke protector is everyday;
  • the frequency of climbing a step is: at the first and second loads - 20 climbs per 1 minute (the metronome pendulum is set at 80 beats / min);
  • climbing the steps is performed in four steps, each of which corresponds to one beat of the metronome;
  • the time for each physical activity is 4 minutes.

Before starting the test, the gas and smoke protector must be familiarized with the technique of its implementation and allowed to perform 2-3 trial ascents.

Test methodology

The examined gas and smoke protector becomes facing the step and after the preparatory command “Attention, march!” begins to perform the first work of climbing a step 25 cm high in the rhythm of a metronome, at the same time the stopwatch starts. On the count of “one”, he puts his foot on the step; on "two" he stands on it with both legs, straightens his legs and assumes a strictly vertical position; on "three" he lowers to the floor the same leg with which he began the ascent; on "four" becomes two feet on the floor. You must always start and end the test with the same foot. During the test, it is allowed to change the leg several times. When lifting and lowering, the arms perform the usual movements for walking.

The heart rate is recorded by probing with fingers on the radial artery of the hand (if the equipment is available, remotely) at the 4th (last) minute of work for 10 s.

Immediately after a 2-minute rest, the gas and smoke protector performs the second load - climbing a step 50 cm high at the same pace.

The heart rate is fixed at the 4th (last) minute of work for 10 s.

The results obtained are recorded in the protocol form. The resulting heart rate figure is multiplied by 6.

The value of PWC 170 is calculated by the formula:

Where P 1 and P 2 - heart rate, respectively, in the first and second loads, beats. for 10 s,

N1 – power of the first load, kgm/min.,

N2 is the power of the second load, kgm/min.

M - body weight of the examined gas and smoke protector, kg

The load power is calculated by the formula:

N =( P × h × n )/ t , Where

N is the power of the first and second loads, respectively, kGm/min.

P - body weight, kg,

h - step height, m,

n is the total number of ascent cycles,

t-total time of ascent, min.

Having received the value of PWC 170 and comparing its value with the values ​​of the table below, it is possible to evaluate the physical performance of the gas and smoke protector.

Table. Indicators of physical performance of gas and smoke protectors, taking into account age

Age, years Physical performance, kgm/min per unit of body weight
Low Reduced Medium high Very high
20-29 14.2 or less 14,3 – 16,2 16,3 -19,3 19,4 – 20,9 21 and over
30-39 12.9 or less 13,0 – 14,9 15,0-17,9 18,0-19,1 19.2 and over
40-49 11.5 or less 11,6-13,4 13,5-16,4 16,5 -17,9 18.0 and over
50-59 9.7 or less 9,8 -12,0 12,1 – 14,9 15,0-16,4 16.5 and over

As an example, we present the method of calculating PWC 170 for a 40-year-old gas and smoke protector weighing 70 kg, whose heart rate at the beginning of the 4th minute of the first and second loads was 110 and 140 beats/min, respectively.

First load power:

N 1 \u003d 70 (weight, kg) x 0.25 (height, m) x 20 (lifts / min) \u003d 350 kg m / min.

Second load power:

N 2 \u003d 70 x 0.50 x 20 \u003d 700 kg m / min.

According to formula (1), we find PWC 170 per 1 kg of body weight:

PWC 170 = : 70 = 15.0

Performing a set of warm-up exercises

Warm-up running and walking are performed: step, on toes, on heels, on the inside and outside of the foot; with hands resting on knees, bending down; with raising the hip in a semi-squat; squat; lunges, side and variable step, cross step forward, to the side. Perhaps a combination of walking with jumping. Running can be normal, with high hips, bending the legs back, raising straight legs forward or backward, cross stepping forward and backward, sideways with turns, stops, throwing and catching objects, jumping over obstacles, moving along obstacles.

General developmental exercises include:

- exercises for the muscles of the hands and shoulder girdle- raising straight arms forward, up, to the sides, back, simultaneously, alternately, sequentially;

- exercises for the muscles of the trunk and neck - tilting the head, torso forward, backward, to the sides. Circular movements of the head, torso, right and left;

- exercises for the muscles of the legs - flexion and extension of the legs, lunges, jumping out of the "crouching" stop, springy movements in the squat, jumping in place and moving forward on one or two legs;

- exercises for the back muscles - movement of the arms with a simultaneous tilt of the body (back, to the side), circular movements of the body with raising the arms forward, emphasis "crouching" and "lying", various turns, with the help of a partner and independently, raising and lowering the gymnastic bench with alternate torso tilt forward and backward as part of a group.

Exercise No. 1 Walking on a horizontal surface at a speed of 50-60 m-min -1 (work severity - medium). It is performed in combination with exercise No. 2. The total duration of the exercise is 4 minutes. without rest.

Exercise No. 2 Running on a horizontal surface at a speed of 110-120 m-min -1 (the degree of severity of the work is heavy). The total duration of the exercise is 6 minutes. After 4 minutes of running, the transition to walking for 1 minute. at the pace of exercise No. 1, then 1 min. recreation.

Exercise number 3 Climbing down the stairs of the building. The speed of ascent and descent is 9-11 m-min -1 (the degree of severity of the work is heavy). It is performed in combination with exercise No. 4. The total duration of the exercise is 10 minutes: rise up 4 minutes, rest 2 minutes, descent down 4 minutes.

Exercise No. 4 Climbing down a vertical ladder: climbing speed 10 m-min -1, descent speed 12-15 m-min -1. The total duration of the exercise is 10 minutes: ascent 4 minutes, rest 3 minutes, descent 3 minutes.

Exercise No. 5 Climbing a vertical ladder (the degree of severity of the work is heavy). It is performed in combination with exercise No. 6, the lifting speed is 10 m / min. The total duration of the exercise is 3 minutes. (without rest).

Exercise No. 6 Descent on a vertical ladder (the degree of severity of the work is medium). Descent speed 12-15 m/min. The total duration of the exercise is 3 minutes. (without rest).

Exercise No. 7 Climbing the stairs of a building with a load. Each gas and smoke protector is lifted with a load of 30 kg at an average lifting speed of 6-7 m-min -1 (the degree of severity of work is heavy). It is performed in combination with exercise No. 8. The total duration of the exercise is 6 minutes: every 2 minutes. lift 1 min. recreation.

Exercise No. 8 Descent along the flights of stairs of a building with a load. Each gas and smoke protector has a weight of 30 kg. (the degree of severity of the work is medium). Descent speed 7-8 m-min -1 without rest.

Exercise No. 9 Carrying the "injured" on a horizontal surface without the use of auxiliary means. The link moves with the victim at a speed of 30-40 m-min -1 (the severity of the work is heavy). Carrying is carried out by gas and smoke protectors in turn. The total duration of the exercise is 10 minutes: carrying the victim three times for 2 minutes, rest 1 minute. every 2 min. carrying. After completing the exercise, rest 2 minutes.

Exercise No. 10 Carrying the "injured" up the stairs of the building without the use of auxiliary means. The link rises up with the "injured" at a speed of 5-6 m-min -1 (the degree of severity of the work is heavy). The transfer is carried out by gas and smoke protectors in turn. After 1-1.5 minutes. carrying 1 min. rest (at the same time, the replacement of gas and smoke protectors is carried out). After completing the exercise, rest 3 minutes. The total duration of the exercise is 7 minutes: carrying the victim 3 minutes, rest 4 minutes.

Exercise No. 11 Carrying the "injured" down the stairs of the building without the use of auxiliary means. The link goes down with the victim at a speed of 6-7 m-min -1 (the degree of severity of the work is medium). The transfer is carried out by gas and smoke protectors in turn, the replacement is made every 1.5-2 minutes. carrying. The total duration of the exercise is 3 minutes. without rest.

Exercise No. 12 Movement of the link on half-fours on a horizontal surface at a speed of 10-15 m / min -1 degree of severity of work - heavy): every 3 minutes. work rest 1 min. At the end of the exercise rest 3 minutes. The total duration of the exercise is 10 minutes: movement 6 minutes, rest - 4 minutes.

Exercise No. 13 Overcoming a section filled with foam. The link moves in a foam channel (trench, basement, labyrinth, etc.) filled with air-mechanical foam to a height of at least 2 m. The total duration of the exercise is 10 minutes: work 6 minutes, rest 4 minutes.

Exercise number 14 Self-rescue with a rescue rope. Gas and smoke protectors perform the exercise at least 2 times (the degree of severity of the work is medium). The total duration of the exercise is 10 minutes. The height and conditions of self-rescue are determined by the head of the training, taking into account the preparedness of the gas and smoke protectors.

Exercise number 15 Work on wrist simulator(the degree of severity of the work is medium). Gas and smoke protectors with their hands rotate the handle of the simulator clockwise, winding a cable around it and lifting a load of 10 kg to a height of 1.5 m. The speed of lifting the load is 1.5 m-min -1. Then the exercise is performed in the reverse order: the load is lowered at a speed of 1.5 m-min -1 to the stop. The total duration of the exercise is 5 minutes: work 4 minutes, rest 1 minute.

Exercise No. 16 Movement on the hands along the horizontal bars (the degree of severity of the work is heavy). Gas and smoke protectors move on their hands along horizontal bars at a speed of 10-12 m-min -1: work 1 min, rest 2 min. After every minute of movement, 2 minutes of rest. The total duration of the exercise is 8 minutes.

Safety measures during training

The head of the classes is responsible for ensuring safety measures during the work of gas and smoke protectors. He is obliged to study the places of training, check the serviceability of the means and devices used, develop, if necessary, additions to the instructions, organize the study of safety measures with gas and smoke protectors. The criterion for limiting physical activity is considered to be the heart rate (HR) up to 170 beats / min. It is forbidden to use faulty simulation equipment, simulators, other electrical equipment for training, as well as violate the rules for their use. Used fire fighting equipment and rescue tools must be tested.

The training of gas and smoke protectors must be terminated if:

– there are complaints of gas and smoke protection workers about poor health (failure to breathe, convulsions, dizziness);

- after performing several exercises, the heart rate exceeds 160 beats / min. and does not fall below this limit within 3-5 minutes of rest.

For physical activity, you need to choose a small bench 30 cm high,

In a sitting position, before performing physical activity, measure the pulse and blood pressure at rest,

After measuring the pulse and blood pressure put the right foot on the bench first, then the left, lower the right foot to the floor, then the left. In 1 minute you need to do 24 movements. The test is performed within 3 minutes;

After completing the test, you need to measure your pulse for 1 minute and blood pressure in a sitting position,

Then measure the pulse after 2, 3 and 5 minutes. Evaluation of results (according to L. A. Donnikova, 1991)

Normotonic type of reaction- a moderate increase in systolic blood pressure and a decrease in diastolic pressure. The recovery time for blood pressure is 3-5 minutes. Characterizes a good adaptive response of the cardiovascular system.

Hypotonic type of reaction- a significant increase in heart rate, with a slight increase, no increase or even decrease in systolic pressure (with a slight increase in diastolic). The period of recovery of pulse and blood pressure, as a rule, is lengthened. Occurs with fatigue, heart disease or after the transfer of infectious diseases.

Hypertonic type of reaction- excessive increase in blood pressure (up to 120-200 mm Hg), no decrease or even increase in diastolic pressure. In this case, there is an increase or decrease in the pulse. Restoration of all indicators takes more than 5 minutes.

Diastonic type of reaction - the appearance of an "infinite tone" (diastolic blood pressure is heard at 0, systolic blood pressure rises to 200 mm Hg or more). This type of reaction can be found after suffering infectious diseases. The recovery period of the pulse and blood pressure lasts more than 6 minutes.

R. E. Motylyanskaya, who has been studying the types of reactions of the cardiovascular system for a long time, notes that with age, there are fewer cases of hypotonic reactions and other types of reactions, especially the hypertonic type, appear to a greater extent.

Scientists note that already from the age of 50-59, more significant changes in the state of the cardiovascular system begin, cholesterol levels in the blood begin to rise, and heart rhythm disturbances appear. It is no coincidence that it is at this age that people begin to think about the state of their health, attend health groups, engage in therapeutic walking, and jogging.

World doctors note that at present the age of myocardial infarction has become much younger. Problems with the state of the cardiovascular system begin as early as 40 years old, and sometimes even earlier.

Young people, as a rule, ignore the rules of rational life behavior, violate sleep, nutrition, do not measure physical activity with their capabilities.

As a result, the range of adaptive reactions of the cardiovascular system gradually decreases, and the time required for a full restoration of the body's working capacity increases.

Recall that in the annual endogenous cycle a person has "risk zones" - periods of increased metabolic intensity, when there is a more intensive growth or renewal of the body (physiological regeneration). It is in the "risk zones" that damage to the human cardiovascular system is most likely.

Studies have shown that the highest mortality from myocardial infarction is observed in the month before the date of birth.

In addition, the probability of heart damage is noted on the 2nd month after the date of birth, but at this time there are much fewer deaths, because the body's compensatory capabilities are higher.

It should also be taken into account that in the case of a disease of the cardiovascular system, with the inevitability of an operation, it is necessary to choose for this the optimal time of the annual endogenous cycle.

Having studied the outcomes of coronary artery bypass surgery, it was found that a significant increase in the risk of coronary complications (ischemia and myocardial infarction) occurs during surgery in the 12th, 1st and 2nd months from the date of birth.

In the second 6 months after the date of birth, especially in the 10-12th months when counting from the date of birth, the risk of purulent-septic complications increases, because during this period immunity is significantly reduced, and on the 12th month from the date of birth the body is the least viable in terms of blood cell counts.

In the same period, the probability of circulatory failure increases by more than 2 times and ventricular fibrillation by 9 times.

Studying the change in hormonal activity during the period of waiting for heart surgery, N. I. Lazik found that for such a category of patients, waiting for surgery in the first month from the date of birth in many cases leads to the development of circulatory failure, a pre-infarction state.

In the first month from the date of birth, the stress caused by the expectation of a major operation causes significant hormonal activity, which significantly increases the risk of complications and worsening of the condition.

The optimal period for operations is the 4th, 5th, 6th months from the date of birth - it is characterized by a more stable state of the body systems. The smallest development of purulent complications is possible in the 1-3rd month from the date of birth.

These results allow us to say that in the "risk zones" a person should be more attentive to his health, especially if there are problems with the heart and cardiovascular system.

Rhythm disturbance occurs in both healthy and sick people. During magnetic storms in healthy, but with high magnetic sensitivity people, heart rhythm disturbance, tachycardia may occur.

Arrhythmia also occurs under certain conditions - in a dream, with emotional experiences or physical exertion, as well as with malnutrition of the heart muscle, inflammatory processes.

A simple way to determine a person's fitness was proposed back in 1942. Scientists from Harvard used a bench for this (a prototype of the modern step platform). Its height is about 50 cm, and the pace of stepping is 30 times per minute.

In a modified form, the step test is used to assess performance and develop training programs for athletes or those who want to continue training after a break. The advantages include simplicity of carrying out and calculation, the absence of expensive equipment.

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Features and advantages of the method

The Harvard step platform test is based on the fact that the level of fitness can be assessed by how long a person can endure a submaximal load. The second criterion is how quickly after it the heart rate returns to normal.

When developing the test, an attempt was made to include physical activity in a strictly dosed form in the methodology. But since the factor of the individual power of the movements performed is not taken into account, the measurements are considered conditionally dosed.

The advantages of this method include simplicity and no need for special measuring instruments, as well as the ability to determine the level of physical performance, despite the fact that the subject may not withstand the fixed test parameters.

Who should go

Since the pace of execution is quite intense, the test is performed only on healthy people. The second condition is sufficient physical fitness, since if the subject has not previously been engaged in physical education, then he will not be able to achieve the recommended duration of the load.

The Harvard step test is used for the following purposes:

  • determination of the initial preparation of the athlete,
  • drawing up an individual training program,
  • if the athlete returned to training after a break,
  • when qualifying for a competition
  • assessment of the effectiveness of physical activity,
  • when passing a professional examination by specialists of the Ministry of Emergency Situations.

The age of the subjects can be from 8 years old, girls and boys are allowed to participate in the conduct, there is no upper age limit.

For the test, you need a platform or step of a calculated height (from 35 to 50 cm), depending on gender and age. The duration is from 2 to 5 minutes. Since the tempo of the test is very important for the standardization of the result, it is recommended to use a metronome.

Before starting, you need to give the patient time to master the technique, then proceed to testing. The load is to enter the step platform with one foot, and go down with the other. The free leg is attached to the working one. Each step takes one beat of the metronome. He is set to a frequency of 120 beats per minute. The test goes like this:

  1. Climb the step with your right foot.
  2. Attach left.
  3. Go down left.
  4. Attach right.

During the test, you can change the working leg. Hands move arbitrarily, be sure to straighten completely after stepping. In 5 minutes, 150 such cycles are required. If the subject has lost his rhythm and cannot maintain the set pace, then the test is no longer appropriate. The time that the patient was able to walk is taken into account to calculate the result.


Methodology for the Harvard step test

After performing the test, the patient sits on a chair, the doctor measures his pulse after 1 minute. 3 measurements will be received in the following time periods (in seconds):

  • from 60 to 90,
  • from 120 to 150,
  • from 180 to 210.

How to calculate the index

Endurance rating is determined by the index. It reflects how soon the heart returns to its normal rhythm after exercise. The shorter this time, the better the index, and hence the fitness. Calculation method:

  • Add up all 3 received pulse measurements.
  • 100 divided by the amount received.
  • Multiply the result of the 2nd action by 2, and then by the time that was sustained by the subject (5 minutes - maximum).

With a selection study or the need for a quick test, the measurement of the pulse rate can be a single one.

In this case, one result is taken for calculation, and instead of the coefficient "2", the number is multiplied by 5.5. The rest of the steps remain unchanged.

Watch the video about the Harvard step test index:

Result interpretation

The resulting figure is analyzed according to a special table. Its value is reflected in qualitative characteristics. For example, 55 units is a bad result, 65 - 79 is an average. For professional-level athletes, it can be about 170 units. Marathon runners and skiers have especially good results.

Values ​​over 80 are considered good, and over 90 are considered excellent. It should be borne in mind that the Harvard test will not always accurately reflect sports achivments, but when the test is repeated for the same athlete, endurance can be reliably assessed.

Rufier's test is carried out for children, adolescents, and schoolchildren. The test checks the readiness for physical activity. Normally, the index in children is no longer so common, after the test, some are sent to special physical training groups or for treatment.

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  • The Harvard step test is a way to assess the level physical training human through the response of his cardiovascular system to physical activity.

    The name of the step test is given in honor of Harvard University. It was his scientists who developed this test in 1942. It is used to evaluate physical abilities before starting sports activities, especially running, to develop a training program, and also to evaluate the effectiveness of training.

    How is the test carried out?

    For the test, a step platform 35-50 cm high is taken (lower for women, higher for men) or a suitable step is selected.

    And within 5 minutes, a basic step is performed from the right foot or the usual raising to the step and lowering from it. That is, it is necessary to perform four movements: put your right foot on the step - once, substitute it for left leg- two, lower the right foot to the floor - three, lower the left foot to the floor behind it - four.

    At the same time, you need to rise and fall at a certain pace: 30 rises and descents per minute. It turns out that in 5 minutes of the test you need to climb a step or step platform 150 times. So many times, respectively, and go down.

    That is, starting from the second minute of recovery after the load, the number of beats is measured in 30 seconds, then a 30-second break and the pulse is measured again for 30 seconds, and again a break, and again the pulse is counted for 30 seconds. The result should be 3 values ​​indicating the number of heartbeats in 30 seconds.

    The Harvard step test index is calculated by the formula:

    Harvard step test

    IGST \u003d t x 100 / (f1 + f2 + f3) x 2

    Here, the values ​​f1, f2, f3 will be the heart rate measurement data for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th minutes of rest, and t is the test execution time (in this test, the value is 5 minutes).

    There is also a simplified formula for the Harvard step test index, used in mass surveys:

    IGST = t x 100 / f x 5.5

    where t is the ascent time in seconds, f is the heart rate (HR).

    Experts warn that during the test, the load on the body is quite high. Therefore, they recommend taking the Harvard step test only to people with good health or professional athletes.

    What does the test show?

    What does the test show?

    In fact, the Harvard step test evaluates the rate of recovery of the body after an intense short-term load. The indicators of the work of the cardiovascular system are taken as the basis. The endurance of the organism as a whole depends on how quickly it returns to the usual rhythm of work after the load.

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