The effect of handrail support use during the completion of the Chester step test

Purpose:

To evaluate the physiological effects of holding a handrail during the completion of the normally hands-free Chester step test (CST). The CST is a sub-maximal exercise test that predicts VO2max  [1].

Method:

Ten males and 20 females, aged 21.2 years (SD 4.5)  performed the CST twice (paired sample / counter balancing) either holding a handrail or hands-free. Heart rate (HR), ratings of perceived exertion (RPE – Borg 6-20), oxygen consumption (VO₂), carbon dioxide production (VCO₂), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), respiratory rate (RR), Tidal Volume (Vt) and Minute ventilation (Ve) were measured at each stage of the CST, and a prediction of VO₂max was calculated using HR. Data collected was described and inferences made (SPSS v17).

Results:

All values increased at each stage of the CST under both conditions. No statistically significant differences existed between any of the physiological measures. A statistically significant difference (p = 0.001) was observed in VO₂max prediction.  Mean VO₂max prediction was 44.8 (SD 8.3) and 41.4 (SD 7.5) ml.kg.min^-1 for handrail support and hands-free respectively a difference of 3.4ml.O₂.kg.min^-1.

Conclusion:

No statistically significant differences were observed in the physiological measures.  A clinician using the CST with handrail support could expect a predicted VO₂max value that was greater by 1 MET than the value obtained hands-free. This difference falls within the error of the CST, which is ±3.9 mlO₂.kg.min^-1 [1]. A clinician may choose to use the CST with handrail support tor selected patients.