Chester Step Test Kit

Official Chester Step Test Kit

The Chester Step Test Kit brings together the equipment and software needed to conduct the Chester Step Test in a professional setting. The Chester Step Test is a portable, submaximal assessment used to estimate aerobic capacity (VO₂max) from the relationship between stepping workload and heart rate.

It is widely suited to occupational health, workplace fitness assessment, emergency services, fitness and education settings where a practical aerobic assessment is required.

What is included?

• Chester Step Test step in your selected height
• CST2 Chester Step Test software for guided testing and calculation
• Access to the established Chester Step Test testing workflow

A heart-rate monitor is required to record the participant’s heart rate during the test and is sold separately. We recommend the Polar H10 heart-rate sensor.

Already have some of the equipment? You can also purchase the Chester Step Test step and CST2 software separately.

Choosing a step height

CST2 supports 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 cm step heights, allowing the protocol to accommodate a broad range of participants. The appropriate height should be selected according to the participant and the protocol being followed.

• 30 cm / 12 inch: commonly used for fitter participants accustomed to moderately vigorous exercise.
• 25 cm / 10 inch: a lower workload option for participants for whom 30 cm is not appropriate.
• 20 cm / 8 inch: suitable when a lower stepping workload is required.
• 15 cm / 6 inch: a low step-height option.
• 10 cm / 4 inch: the lowest CST2 step-height option.

For more guidance, see how to select a Chester Step Test height.

How the Chester Step Test works

The participant steps in time with the guided pace while heart rate and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) are monitored. The stepping rate increases progressively through the stages. CST2 guides the assessment and uses the recorded data to calculate an estimate of aerobic capacity.

1. Complete appropriate pre-test screening and select the step height.
2. Fit the heart-rate monitor and explain the stepping technique.
3. Start CST2 and follow the guided stepping pace.
4. Record heart rate and RPE at the required stages.
5. Follow the protocol’s stopping criteria.
6. Use CST2 to calculate and record the result.

Who is the kit for?

• Occupational health teams
• Fire and rescue services and other emergency-service organisations
• Workplace health and fitness providers
• Fitness professionals
• Universities, colleges and training providers

Software, training and professional use

The included CST2 software is cloud-based and can be used on desktop, tablet or mobile. Test-credit options and specialist editions are available for different professional settings.

If you are introducing the Chester Step Test across a team or organisation, see our Chester Step Test resource hub for protocol information, software, equipment and training options.

Pre-test screening and safety

Appropriate pre-exercise screening should be completed before testing. The practitioner should follow the current Chester Step Test protocol and applicable professional or organisational procedures. Testing should not proceed where there is a relevant contraindication or where the practitioner considers assessment inappropriate.

Need help choosing your setup?

If you are unsure which step height, CST2 edition or testing setup you need, call Cartwright Fitness on 01244 343106. For larger teams and organisational requirements, contact us and we can help configure the most appropriate setup.