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StairMaster Fit Test
The StairMaster Fit Test is a program that estimates maximal aerobic capacity based on heart-
rate response to sub-maximal exercise.
The StairMaster branching protocol is a series of 3-minute stages of continuous exercise at
increasing intensity. The first stage is a warm-up at approximately 4 METs. The intensity of
the remaining stages is based on the heart rate response to the warm-up. The test is designed
to raise the steady state heart rate of the subject to at least 115 beats/minute. It is important
to remember that two consecutive heart rate measurements must be obtained above 115
beats/minute to predict VO2max. The test typically lasts from 6 to 15 minutes. The test will
terminate if the heart rate does not continue to rise from state to stage.
In the StairMaster protocol, each work rate is performed for 3 minutes, with heart rates
recorded during the final 4 seconds of the second and third 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 program advances to the next 3-minute stage. The program continues for
two to four stages until two steady state heart rates above 115 beats/min are obtained in two
consecutive stages. The line generated from the plotted points is then extended to the age-
predicted maximal heart rate. A corresponding maximal 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 plotted 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 two consecutive heart rate measurements are obtained above 115 beats/min range, then
the test ends successfully and the results are displayed. 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.
To use the Fitness Test program:
1. Put the chest strap on. Remember to wet the underneath of the chest strap, over the
electrodes.
2. Press [ADVANCED PROGRAMS] workout key, followed by the Speed UP key. The
controller will display “STAIRMASTER FIT TEST.”
3. The controller will then display “ENTER WEIGHT - LBS” (or “ENTER WEIGHT - KG” if in
Metric mode). Enter your weight using the numeric key keypad.
4. The controller will display “ENTER AGE 10 -99.” Enter your age using the numeric
keypad.