Cardiovascular Testing
Stress testing should be performed by a doctor. Once the doctor has given the written approval with a list
of limitations, the trainer must then determine the fitness level of the cardiovascular system by performing
fitness testing. Testing should not be performed on clients who have tachycardia. Fitness tests should be
performed on an individual basis and not as a group to avoid competitive results.
The Six-Minute Walk Test is used to measure aerobic endurance. The client will walk at their fastest
pace around a rectangular track whose length is 50 yards (45.7m) and width is 5 yards (4.6m). The trainer
will use a stopwatch to start and stop at the 6 minute point record laps either on a lap counter or paper.
Each full lap would be a total of It is recommended that the trainer provide verbal encouragement as the
test progresses. If the client becomes fatigued, they are instructed to rest if necessary but the timer will
continue to run up to the 6 minute period. When the 6 minutes have elapsed, the trainer instructs the client
to stop where they are. Record the amount of distance that they have covered in the partial last lap and
add that to the total. Discontinue the test if discomfort or pain results.
The following table lists average distances based on age. Scores lower than these figures are considered
below average. Scores higher than these figures are considered above average.
Age 60 - 64 65 - 69 70 - 74 75 - 79 80 - 84 85 - 89 90 - 94
Men 610 -^735 560 -^700 545 -^680 470 -^640 445 -^605 380 -^570 305 -^500
Women 545 - 660 500 - 635 480 - 615 435 - 585 385 - 540 340 - 510 275 - 440
Distance Traveled in YardsAge 60 - 64 65 - 69 70 - 74 75 - 79 80 - 84 85 - 89 90 - 94
Men 558 -^672 512 -^640 498 -^622 430 -^585 407 -^553 347 -^521 279 -^457
Women 498 - 604 457 - 581 439 - 562 398 - 535 352 - 494 311 - 466 251 - 402
Distance Traveled in MetersThe Two-Minute Step Test is used to determine aerobic endurance. The client will step using alternate
legs in place as many times as they can in a 2 minute period. Each step must raise the knee to height of
the mid-point of the thigh. The trainer will record only the right step using a counter and will only count
steps that meet the height requirement. It would be helpful if a chair is place on either side. The chair
would be helpful for added stability if it is needed and for a marking point to which they must raise their
knee up to. At the end of two minute period, the trainer instructs the client to stop and records the results.
Discontinue the test if discomfort or pain results.
The following table lists average steps based on age. Scores lower than these figures are considered
below average. Scores higher than these figures are considered above average.
Age 60 - 64 65 - 69 70 - 74 75 - 79 80 - 84 85 - 89 90 - 94
Men 87 - 115 86 - 116 80 - 110 73 - 109 71 - 103 59 - 91 52 - 86
Women 75 - 107 73 - 107 68 - 101 68 - 100 60 - 90 55 - 85 44 - 72
Steps PerformedOnly one of the above tests needs to be performed to determine cardio endurance. In each case monitor
the client for signs of over-exertion.