Comparison of the Effects of Three Stepping Cadences on the Criterion-Related Validity of a Step Test in Chinese Children

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the criterion-related validity of a 3-min step test using 3 stepping cadences. Chinese children (N = 50; age = 8.92 ± 1.64 years) performed three 3-min bouts of a bench stepping exercise on a 12-in.-high (30.5 cm) bench. Stepping cadences for the 3 step tests were 22, 26, and 30 steps per minute (steps·min^-1), respectively. The 15-sec postexercise heart rate (PHR15),VO₂ during each 3-min stepping and anthropometric measurements were correlated with the criterion. The criterion measure of VO₂ peak was determined from a maximal treadmill exercise test. The criterion-related validity coefficients for the 3 stepping protocols were .76, .78, and .72. The standard error of estimates (SEEs) ranged from 3.81 to 4.24 ml · kg^-1 · min^-1. The prediction accuracy of the 3 protocols was acceptable and similar, with slightly better prediction at a cadence of 26 steps · min^-1. Hence, a 3-min step test with 26 steps · min^-1 was deemed to be a more effective and practical field test to estimate the aerobic fitness of Chinese children. The recommended equation is VO₂ peak = 95.80 - (1.407) × PHR15 (R² = .61, SEE = 3.81 ml · kg^-1 · min^-1).