2-Minute Step in Place Test
The 2-Minute Step in Place test is part of the Senior Fitness Test Protocol, and is designed to test the functional fitness of seniors. This test is performed as an alternative to the 6-minute walk test for people who use orthopedic devices when walking, as well as in the case of people who have difficulty balancing.
purpose: This test measures aerobic endurance.
equipment required: tape for marking the wall, stopwatch, wall.
pre-test: Explain the test procedures to the subject. Perform screening of health risks and obtain informed consent. Prepare forms and record basic information such as age, height, body weight, gender, test conditions. See more details of pre-test procedures.
procedure: The subject stands up straight next to the wall while a mark is placed on the wall at the level corresponding to midway between the patella (knee cap) and illiac crest (top of the hip bone). The subject then marches in place for two minutes, lifting the knees to the height of the mark on the wall. Resting is allowed, and holding onto the wall or a stable chair is allowed. Stop after two minutes of stepping.
scoring: Record the total number of times the right knee reaches the tape level in two minutes. Below is a table showing the recommended ranges for this test based on age groups (from Jones & Rikli, 2002).
Men’s Results
| Age | below average | average | above average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60-64 | < 87 | 87 to 115 | > 115 |
| 65-69 | < 87 | 86 to 116 | > 116 |
| 70-74 | < 80 | 80 to 110 | > 110 |
| 75-79 | < 73 | 73 to 109 | > 109 |
| 80-84 | < 71 | 71 to 103 | > 103 |
| 85-89 | < 59 | 59 to 91 | > 91 |
| 90-94 | < 52 | 52 to 86 | > 86 |
Women’s Results
| Age | below average | average | above average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60-64 | < 75 | 75 to 107 | > 107 |
| 65-69 | < 73 | 73 to 107 | > 107 |
| 70-74 | < 68 | 68 to 101 | > 101 |
| 75-79 | < 68 | 68 to 100 | > 100 |
| 80-84 | < 60 | 60 to 91 | > 91 |
| 85-89 | < 55 | 55 to 85 | > 85 |
| 90-94 | < 44 | 44 to 72 | > 72 |
target population: the aged population which may not be able to do traditional fitness tests.
advantages: this is a simple test to conduct requiring minimal equipment.
disadvantages: not suitable for those with a moderate and greater degree of fitness
other comments: If the subject loses balance, they can place their hand on the wall, a table or chair.
references:
- Jones C.J., Rikli R.E., Measuring functional fitness of older adults, The Journal on Active Aging, March April 2002, pp. 24–30.
- Anna Różańska-Kirschke, Piotr Kocur, Małgorzata Wilk, Piotr Dylewicz, The Fullerton Fitness Test as an index of fitness in the elderly, Medical Rehabilitation 2006; 10(2): 9-16.
Similar Tests
- See also the Senior Fitness test alternative 6 minute walk test
Related Pages
- About a Step Test iphone app
- More aerobic fitness tests
- Read a discussion about testing the elderly
- All about the Senior Fitness Test
- Read about Fitness Testing for Specific Groups and Special Populations
- Buy the Senior Fitness Test Manual
Any comments, suggestions, or corrections? Please let us know.
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