Assessing the Reliability and Validity of the Chester Step Test 2 to Predict Aerobic Capacity

Burt, Dean; Forsyth, Jacky; Jones, Sam; Buckley, John

Abstract

The Chester Step Test (CST) is used in occupational and healthcare settings to estimate cardiovascular fitness (
˙
𝑉
𝑂2max); however, in attempts to overcome
˙
𝑉
𝑂2max- prediction error, a revised version has been developed (CST2). This study investigated the test–retest reliability and criterion validity of the CST2. In a randomized order, at the same time of day, with at least 24 hours rest between trials, 50 healthy participants (32 males, 18 females, age: 34.9 ± 10.9 y, body mass: 79.1 ± 14.5 kg, stature: 174.3 ± 10.9 cm) completed the CST2 twice (CST2a; CST2b) and a treadmill-based
˙
𝑉
𝑂2max test. Test–retest reliability and criterion validity were examined using a repeated measures ANOVA and the 95% limits of agreement (LoA). No significant bias was reported between the CST2a and CST2b predicted and actual
˙
𝑉
𝑂2max (p > .05). The bias ±95% LoA (−0.48 ± 3.4 ml.kg−1.min−1) suggest that the CST2 is a reliable predictor of
˙
𝑉
𝑂2max. However, the bias ±95% LoA between the CST2 predicted and actual
˙
𝑉
𝑂2max ranged from 1.08–1.6 ± 11–11.5 ml.kg−1.min−1, translating to a 31% prediction error. The CST2 is a reliable measure of
˙
𝑉
𝑂2max however should only be considered when an estimate is required.

Citation

Burt, D., Forsyth, J., Jones, S., & Buckley, J. (in press). Assessing the Reliability and Validity of the Chester Step Test 2 to Predict Aerobic Capacity. Measurement in Physical Education and Exercise Science, 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1080/1091367x.2025.2481864

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 26, 2025
• Online Publication Date: Mar 26, 2025
• Deposit Date: Apr 15, 2025
• Journal: Measurement in Physical Education and Exercise Science
• Print ISSN: 1091-367X
• Electronic ISSN: 1532-7841
• Publisher: Routledge
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Pages: 1-8
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/1091367x.2025.2481864
• Keywords: cardiovascular fitness; maximal oxygen uptake; Chester Step Test; reliability; validity
• Public URL: https://keele-repository.worktribe.com/output/1195511
• Publisher URL: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/1091367X.2025.2481864