Assessment of cardiovascular fitness (VO2

max) among physiotherapy students of age

20 to 26 by Queen college step test.

Ritika Vilas Maru

The SIA College of Health Sciences,
College of Physiotherapy, Dombivli (East)

1
 THE SIA COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES, COLLEGE
OF PHYSIOTHERAPY, DOMBIVLI (EAST)

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that Miss. Ritika Vilas Maru has satisfactorily

carried out this project entitled “Assessment of cardiovascular fitness
(VO2 max) among physiotherapy students of age 20 to 26 by Queen
college step test”, under Community Physiotherapy for BPTh course
and Internship, as prescribed, by Maharashtra University of Health
Sciences, Nashik at The SIA College of Health Sciences, College of
Physiotherapy, Dombivli (East), during the academic year 2023-2024.

Name of the Guide: Dr Nikita Sawant. Dr. Asmita Karajgi

Designation: Assistant Professor Designation: Dean
Name of the College: The SIA College of Name of the College: The SIA College of Health
Sciences, College of Physiotherapy. Health Sciences, College of Physiotherapy.

2
 Acknowledgement

I take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to those people

without whose support and concern this project would not have been a
success.

I am also extremely thankful to Dr. Asmita Karajgi, Dean, The SIA

College of Health Sciences, College of Physiotherapy, Dombivli
East who has given me the permission to initiate the project in this
institution and Dr. Nikita Sawant, The SIA College of Health
Sciences, College of Physiotherapy, Dombivli (East) for giving her
valuable advice and help throughout the project.

I also thank all the teaching staff for their guidance and support. I also
want to express my special gratitude to the family members and my
colleagues for their kind cooperation.

Needless to say, that all my study subjects also deserve a word of

thanks for their cooperation.

3
 INDEX

Sr. no Content Page no.

1 Introduction 5–6

2 Need of study 7

3 Aim, Objective, Research question 8

4 Review of literature 9 – 13

5 Material and Methodology 14

6 Procedure 15 – 18

7 Data analysis and Results 19 – 21

8 Discussion 22 – 23

9 Conclusion 24

10 Reference 25 – 27

11 Annexure 28 – 34

12 Masterchart 35 - 37

4
Introduction:

‘Physiotherapy' is a branch of modern medical science which includes examination,

assessment, interpretation, physical diagnosis, planning and execution of treatment and advice
to any person for the purpose of preventing, correcting and limiting dysfunction, acute and
chronic bodily malfunction including life saving measures.[1]

As a part of physiotherapy curriculum, students are expected to involve actively in

physiotherapy treatment, planning and implementation during the clinical hours.

Active involvement in management and assessment of patients requires

physiotherapist to be healthy in all the physical parameter to increase the efficiency. Queen’s
College step test is one of the methods to assess cardiovascular fitness. The main function of
respiratory and circulatory systemis to supply the tissue of the body with oxygen and cardio-
respiratory fitness has been defined by Holmgren.

Cardiorespiratory fitness means body's cardiovascular (circulatory) and respiratory

systems function together, especially during exercise or work, to ensure that adequate oxygen
is supplied to the working muscles to produce energy.

VO2max is internationally accepted parameter and is the first choice in measuring a

person's cardio respiratory status and endurance (VO2 max is the maximum amount of
oxygen a person can intake and the value does not change despite increase in workload over a
period of time). The VO2max can be calculated using maximal or sub maximal tests.[2]

A submaximal exercise test called the Queen's College Step Test (QCT) is used to
gauge a person's cardiorespiratory fitness. The test can be used to calculate VO2max, or
maximum oxygen consumption.[2]

VO2max is an internationally accepted reference standard for assessing

cardiorespiratory fitness. Cardiovascular disease can be strongly predicted by having a
reduced maximum oxygen capacity. Physical fitness is defined as one's capacity to perform a
physical task in a variety of environmental settings.
5
 Fitness is generally considered to have five components: aerobic capacity, muscle
strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body composition.[3] Physical fitness is
presently considered one of the most important health markers, as well as a predictor of
morbidity and mortality for cardiovascular disease [CVD] and for all causes.[4]

Hence, the present study emphasizes on cardiovascular fitness in terms of maximum

aerobic capacity [VO2max] among the physiotherapy students of Thane district. There is
need for the students to measure and analyze their physical fitness for their own benefit,
improvement and health.

For better productivity the students should be healthy and have good physical fitness.
Medical students of today are the doctors of tomorrow and a good doctors must be physically
fit and mentally alert. [5]

The maximal oxygen uptake capacity is defined as the highest rate of oxygen consumption
attainable during maximal or exhaustive exercise. VO2max is the gold standard method of
calculating individual's aerobic capacity. VO2max is calculated using exercise testing.

Exercise testing is of two types: maximal exercise testing and sub-maximal exercise
testing. Maximal exercise tests include treadmill test, incremental shuttle walk test, cooper
12-minute test and sub-maximal exercise tests includes Queen’s college step test, 6-minute
walk test and modified shuttle walk test. The maximal exercise tests for calculating VO2max
are considered as gold standard as they provide the true VO2max value of individual. The
sub-maximal tests are easy for the individuals to perform and has parameters which can be
used to compute the value of VO2max. Also the tests are cost effective and require less
equipment’s as compared to maximal exercisetesting.

The Queen's college step test (QCT) is a sub-maximal exercise test used to measure
cardio-respiratory fitness and estimate maximal oxygen consumption (V02max). Research
has proved that it gives significant statistical correlation between the predicted and directly
measured VO2max. S. Chatterjee studied the validity of Queens college step test in young
Indian men, which showed significant statistical correlation with r = 0.95, p<0.001 between
thepredicted[5].

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 Need of the study:

Cardiovascular endurance is more important in physiotherapy students as they are

actively involved in patient’s treatment, management and diagnosis. VO2 max helps to
check cardiovascular fitness and aerobic endurance and also acts a predictor of risks of
cardiovascular diseases. The measurement of VO2 max provides a quantitative value of
endurance fitness for comparison of individual training effects and between people in
endurance training. Maximal oxygen consumption reflects cardio respiratory and endurance
capacity in exercise performance. [2,3]

In a study it was found that elite athletes, such as competitive runners, cyclist can
achieve VO2 max values exceeding 90 mL/(kg/min). Students are future of country, so they
must be physically fit and mentally alert. They exercise less frequently and are subjected to
different kinds of stress. So, it is important to measure and analyze their physical fitness for
their own benefit and improvement to maintain healthy lifestyle. The present study is aimed
to findout cardiorespiratory fitness in physiotherapy students. [2,3]

It can also be calculated using sub maximal tests such as the six-minute walk test,
queen’s college step test and shuttle walk test. Out of those tests the queens college step test
was found to be reliable and valid in estimating the VO2max value when compared with
maximal exercise testing.[3]

The six-minute walk test can also be used to estimate VO2max value. When ther value of
VO2max calculated using six-minute walk test was compared with queen’s college step test,
the r value of queen’s college step test was more significant. Also, the six-minute walk test is
a self-paced sub maximal test whereas the queen’s college step test is an externally paced
test. In comparison of 6-minute walk test, queen’s college step test and shuttle walk test, the
queen’s college step test is more feasible as it has less requirements, has good correlation
[3]
with VO2max value and easy to perform compared with shuttle walk test.

7
Aim: Assessment of cardiovascular fitness (VO2 max) among physiotherapy students of
age 20 to 26 by Queen’s college step test.

Objectives: Using queen's college step test to assess cardiovascular fitness among
physiotherapy students.

Research Question: To assess cardiovascular fitness (VO2 max) among physiotherapy

students of age 20 to 26 by Queen college step test.

8
Review of Literature:

1. Tauseef Nabi Khushoo and Nadeema Rafiq and Ouber Qayoom Assessment of
cardiovascular fitness (VO2 max) among medical students by Queens College step
test International Journal of Biomedical and Advance Research2015{6}
This is a cross sectional study which included total 57 subjects of age 18to 27 and Queens
College step test was performed which showed that aerobic capacity of male’s students
was significantly higher compared tofemale participants.

2. Cureton KJ, Sloniger MA, O'Bannon JP, Black DM, McCormack WP. A
generalizedequation for prediction of VO2peak from 1-mile run/walk
performance. Med Sci SportsExerc. 1995 Mar;27(3):445-51.
The purpose of this study was to create an equation to reduce the variability of step test-
based VO2peak prediction and compare the new equation's VO2peak prediction to the
Queen's College Step Test (QCST). The SDState step test equation was created using the
development group (n=86; 21.72 years) to predict relative VO2peak. The validity of the
SDState step test VO2peak prediction equation was assessed using the cross- validation
group (n=99; 21.62 years). Regression analysis was done to determine which model
predicted VO2peak the most accurately.
ANOVA was also utilized to compare predicted and measured VO2peak values to find
any changes. Age, sex, abdomen circumference, and activeheart rate at the 3-min mark of
the step test were found to be significant predictors using forward stepwise multiple
regression.

3. PR Narkhede, S Jaimala, M Amita, Comparison of maximal oxygen consumption

valuesestimated from six minute walk test and Queens College step test,Indian
Journal of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy 8 (1), 154,2014
In this observational study, 50 physiotherapy students between the ages of 18 and 25 are
participating. The subjects were required to complete the Queen's College Step Test and the
six-minute walk test on two separate days, separated by a week. VO, max was determined
using the appropriate prediction equation from the results of both tests. 50 physiotherapy
students had VO2 max ranges of 23.92 + 5.04 ml/kg/min for the six- minute walk test and
39.91 + 4.02 ml/kg/min for the Queen's Step test. The girls were found to be in the "POOR"

9
category of fitness by taking a six minute walk, and "GOOD" category by Queens College
step test, which corresponds to the VO2, max norms provided by the Cooper Institute for
Aerobic Fitness, Dallas, in 2005.

4. Sumi Sim, Ji-Heon Hong, Dong-Yeop Lee, Jae-Ho Yu, Jin-Seop Kim Medico-
Legal, Affect of Different Intensities of Queens College Step Tests on
Cardiopulmonary Function and Body Composition in Students .19 (2), 2019
This is a simple random sampling. Thirty college students who appeared to be in good health
were divided into two groups at random: one group (QCST) took the Queens College step test
as usual, and the other group (mQCST) took the Queens College step test with modified
interval. For four weeks, the experiment was carried out three times per week. Following the
experiment, both groups displayed improvements in their total cardiorespiratory function and
body composition. The increase in FEV1 between the QCST and mQCST groups was 3.90%.
Skeletal muscle mass improved more in the mQCST group than the QCST group by 1.01%,
whilethe body fat percentage decreased by 2.41%.

5. Shete AN, Bute SS, Deshmukh PR. A Study of VO2 Max and Body Fat
Percentage inFemale Athletes. J Clin Diagn Res. 2014 Dec;8(12):BC01-3.
This is a pilot study with a less sample size. Twenty five female athletes of age group 17-
22years were selected for the study. VO2 max was determined by Queen’s college step test
and body fat percentage by skin fold calipers. The VO2 max and body fat percentage were
determined in non athletes of same age group for comparison. The statistical analysis was done
by Student’s t-test and Pearson correlation test. The mean VO2 max in athletic group was
39.62 ± 2.80 ml/kg/min. In non-athletic group, VO2 max 23.54 ± 3.26 ml/kg/min. The mean
body fat percentage in athletes was 24.11 ± 1.83% and in non-athletes it was 29.31 ± 3.86%.
The VO2 max and body fat percentage in both the groups showed negative correlation by
Pearson test but, was not statistically significant. The study showed a statistically significant
higher VO2 max in female athletes and the study showed a negative correlation between VO2
max and body fat percentage but was not statistically significant.

10
6. S Sabaananth, V Gopinath. University of Jaffna, Comparison of cardio respiratory
endurance and Vo2 max between professional and Amateur women Bharatanatyam
dancers,2011
This is a simple random sampling. The purpose of this study was to compareCardiorespiratory
Endurance (CRE) and VO2 max between Professional and Amateur Bharathanatyam dancers.
To achieve the purpose sixty 60 women Bharathanatyam dancers were randomly selected and
they were classified in to Professional Dancers. 30 dancers practice bharathanatyam 90 to 120
min / day for 5 to 6 day / week over the period of minimum 5 years and Amateur Dancers 30
practice bharathanatyam 30 to 60min / day/ 2 to 3 day / week over the period of minimum 5
years were selected as subjects, their mean age were 17 ± 1.3 years. They were measured CRE
(Harvard step test) and VO2 max (Queen’s step test), the collected data were statistically
treated by using independent t test , 0.05 level of confidence was fixed to test the significance.
The result shows that Professional Dancers were better than Amateur Dancers on CRE and
VO2 max. Hence it was concluded that, professional bharathanatyam dancers developed better
CREand VO2 max than amateur dancers.

7. Goran Ranković, Vlada Mutavdžić, Dragan Toskić.Aerobic Capacity as An

Indicator inDifferent Kinds of Sports G Jlin Ciagn Res. 2012Dec;7(12):BC01-4.
This is a cross sectional study. The examiners were divided into two groups of active
athletes football players (22) and volleyball players (18), while the third group of non-
athletes served as control group. Maximal oxygen uptake was determined by performing the
Astrand 6 minute cycle test. Peak values of VO2 max was recorded in the group of football
players, and they were statistically significantly higher compared to other examined groups.
In the group of volleyball players the oxygen uptake was statistically significantly lower
values and of the group of non-athletes compared to the groups of athletes.

11
8. Debojyoti Bhatacharryya, Suranjana Sen. Subhojit Chatterje. Tirthankar.Effect of
Queen's College Step Test on Cognitive Performance among Young Adults. Biology
of exercise 13(1) , 2017.
This is a cross sectional study. The main objective of the present study was to establish the
fact that Queens College step test (QCT), a short duration step test exercise is a useful tool
for improving mental performance of young adult population. Ten healthy young male
adults participated for the present study. They performed following cognitive tasks i.e.
simple reaction time (SRT) for measuring speed of processing, stroop task for selective
attention, during before exercise, immediate after exercise and 30 minutes after exercise.
The performance times were recorded and carotid pulse was also measured immediately
after the exercise. The finding of the study states that there was a significant decrease in
SRT, and stroop task performance time immediately after exercise, 30 minutes after
exercise compared to before exercise condition. QCT was found as an effective exercise
tool in terms of its simplicity of performance, and less time consuming for improving the
speed of processing and selective attention in young adults.

9. Raji Susan Varghese, Ashwini Dangi, Annamma Varghese VO2 Max Normative
Values Using Queen's College Step Test in Healthy Urban Indian Individuals of Age
Group 20-50 Years. nt J Sci Res 9 (6), 803-6, 2020.
This is a cross sectional study. A total of 501 participants were included Normative
VO2max value of 501 individuals having mean age of 33.89+/-8.53 years with mean BMI
of 24.19+/-2.42 kg/m sq was found to be 38.41+/-6.95ml/kg/min Lowest age group (20-29
years) had the best VO2max followed by the second age group (30-39 years) and the third
age group(40-49 years). Significant association was established between gender and
VO2max, concluding that gender of the individual would have an effect on maximal
consumption of oxygen. Males had a higher maximal uptake of oxygen as compared to
females which was considered statistically significant.

12
10.DHANUSH KOTIAN, YOGITA HATMODE Cardiorespiratory Fitness in
Middle-aged Men and Women through the Queens College Step Test: A Cross-
sectional Study. Journal of Clinical & Diagnostic Research 18 (1), 2024.
It is a cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Physiotheraphy, NITTE
Institute of Physiotheraphy included a total of 134 subjects aged between 45 and 65 years,
who were selected from Justice KS Hegde Charitable Hospital in Mangaluru, Karnataka,
India. The male and female groups consisted of 67 subjects each. The study was
conducted over a period of 12 months, from March 2022 to March 2023. All subjects were
included based on specific inclusion criteria. VO2max was estimated by following the
Queens College Step Test (QCST) method. It was discovered that VO2max was
significantly higher in middle age males then in middle age females.

13
Methodology:
Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Study setting: Institution based study.

Duration of Study: 6 months.

Sample Population: Physiotherapy students of 3rd, 4th Bpth, Interns and Masters
both male and female.

Sample Source: Colleges of Physiotherapy in Thane.

Method of Sampling: Purposive Sampling.

Sample Size:112

Sample Size calculation:

The sample size was calculated using OpenEpi software.
Population size (for finite population correction factor or fpc) (N): 157
Hypothesized % frequency of outcome factor in the population (p):50%+/-5
Confidence limits as % of 100(absolute +/- %)(d): 5%
Design effect (for cluster survey – DEFF): 1Calculated sample size: 112

Materials required for Data Collection: stepper 16.25 inch, a stopwatch, a

metronome.

Inclusion Criteria: Physiotherapy students of age group of 20 to 26 years(3rd,

4thBpth, interns and masters), both male and female students.

Exclusion Criteria:
Student who is taking medications making them unfit for the test.
Students who are not able to perform the test.
Any Musculoskeletal Disorders or Fractures experienced in past 1 year.
Known case of any Cardiovascular and Respiratory Disease.

14
Procedure

The study will be conducted in Thane district after approval of ethical

committee on the Physiotherapy students of 3rdBPTh, 4thBPTh, interns
and master of physiotherapy students will be included in the study.
The test will be carried by visiting the college taking the informed
consent of the subject. So, there will be a 3 minutes test in which the
students have to step up and down on the stepper and the pulse rate
will be checked through which VO2 max will be calculated. There is
no as such risk involved in this study, as the data collected will not be
shared and will be confidential.

15
16
 Flow chart

Pretest

Explain
↓ the test procedure to the subject.

Perform screening
↓ of health risks, and obtain informed
consent.

Record basic information such as age, height, body

weight, gender.

Check the step height and set the metronome.

The individual steps up and down

on the platform at a rate of 22 steps
per minute for females and at 24
steps per minute for males.

The participants are to step using a four-step

cadence, ‘up-up-down-down’ for 3
minutes.

The individual stops immediately on

completion of the test, and after 5seconds
of rest the heartbeats are counted for 15
seconds from 5-20 seconds of recovery.

Multiply these 15 second readings by 4 will give the

beats per minute(bpm) value to be used in the calculation
below.
17
Scoring

An estimation of VO2max can be calculated from the test results, using this
formula (McArdle1972). A rating can be determined using the VO2max
norms.
Men: VO2max (ml/kg/min) = 111.33 – (0.42 x heart rate (bpm)
Women: VO2max (ml/kg/min) = 65.81 – (0.1847 x heart rate (bpm)

18
 Data analysis:
The data collected was analyzed using IBM SPSS 25.

Results: Tables and Graphs

Table 1: Distribution of sample population according to age in years

Graph 1: Distribution of sample population according to age in years

Total 112 participants were included in the study with the mean age of 21.84 ± 1.151 years.
19
Table 2: Distribution of sample population according to gender.

Graph 2: Distribution of sample population according to gender.

15 males and 97 females participated in this study.

20
Table 3 : Distribution of Mean and Standard Deviation of VO2 Max of both male and female.

Graph 3: Distribution of Mean of VO2 Max of both male and female

21
Discussion
The study was carried out to check the VO2 max values among the
physiotherapy students of Thane District. Total of 112 physiotherapy students
both male and female were included in the study. The result of the present study
showed that mean value of VO2max for males was 41.14 ±4.37 ml/kg/min and
for females it was 40.53 ±4.50 ml/kg/min, which was found significantly higher
[2,3]
in males than in females. On comparison of our VO2max value with the
standard VO2max classification, our subjects fitted in the category of fair on
cardio respiratory fitness scale. The reason for reduced VO2max in our subjects
could be because of the decreased physical activity, unhealthy lifestyle
behaviors as are established during the years of gaining education, which may
influence adult behavior and health status.

The results of this study also suggest that female students have lower levels of
aerobic fitness compared with male students. Our findings are in agreement
with other studies that have examined aerobic fitness levels in medical college
students of Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Haryana. Aerobic capacity
of male students was significantly higher compared to that of female
participants. This has been confirmed by correlations between considered
variables in female and male participants disregarding their physical activity
levels..[4]

Decrease in VO2max is therefore an indicator of reduced exercise capacity or

tolerance. VO2 max is the product of maximum cardiac output and maximal
arterio- venous oxygen difference. The maximum oxygen uptake [VO2 max],
an internationally accepted parameter to evaluate the cardio respiratory
fitness reflects the amount of oxygen utilized by working muscles during
maximal exercise. [4]

22
During exercise, up to a point the increase in oxygen consumption is
proportionate to energy expended and all the energy needs are met by aerobic
process. So, in a person, the more is the maximum oxygen consumption
capacity [VO2max], the more will be his/ her aerobic capacity. VO2max is the
measure of the functional limit of the cardio-respiratory system and the single
most valid index of maximal exercise capacity. [5,6,7]

VO2max represents the maximal consumption of oxygen of an individual,

when he is subjected to strenuous form of exercise. Therefore, it is the greatest
amount of oxygen a person can consume to produce ATP aerobically on a per
minute basis. It determines the aerobic capacity and furthermore, the attainment
of VO2max requires integration of the ventilatory, cardiovascular and
neuromuscular system. In essence, it represents a fundamental measure in
exercise physiology and serves as a standard to compare performance estimates
of aerobic capacity and endurance fitness Directly estimated VO2 max is
considered as one of the standard index measures for assessing
cardiorespiratory fitness which eventually reflects the status of the
cardiovascular and respiratory system. Lack of cardiorespiratory fitness may
well contribute to the increasing prevalence of degenerative cardiovascular
disease throughout the world.[7]

According to Mc Ardle et al , VO2 max for women typically averages 15-

30% below the values for men. This difference has been attributed to the
disparities in body composition and blood haemoglobin concentration. An
untrained young adult woman possesses 25% body fat whereas the
corresponding values for men averages 15%. Therefore, the males generate
more total aerobic energy simply because they possess large muscle mass (and
less fat than females) which again leads to increased oxygen uptake and
utilization.[8].

23
CONCLUSION
The study concludes that VO2max of males is higher as compared to females in
young adult (20-26) when assessed using Queens College Step Test. Due to
lack of physical activity in young adults there is reduced cardiopulmonary
endurance and aerobic capacity. The VO2max may also differ due to some
factors such as age, gender, fitness level. As physiotherapy students are actively
involved in the patient’s assessment, examination, diagnosis, treatment and
management the students should be physically fit and mentally alert.

Normative VO2max value of 112 individuals having mean age of 21.84 ±

1.151 years with mean VO2 max of 41.14 ± 4.37 for males and 40.53 ± 4.50 for
females. Significant association was established between gender and VO2max,
concluding that gender of the individual would have an effect on maximal
consumption of oxygen. Males had a higher maximal uptake of oxygen as
compared to females which was considered statistically significant.

LIMITATIONS: The study population was from only THANE DISTRICT.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Queens college step test is the easy objective

method to assess cardiovascular fitness and endurance. Thus, we can encourage
young adult age group to do regular exercises to improve quality of life.

FUTURE SCOPE: Objective measurement like this can be done in all medical
professionals to make them aware about their aerobic capacity and endurance.

24
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1. https://ptmasterguide.com/2021/02/10/definition-of-physiotherapy//

2. Varghese RS, Dangi A, Varghese A. VO2 Max Normative Values Using

Queen’s College Step Test in Healthy Urban Indian Individuals of Age
Group 20–50 Years. Int J Sci Res. 2020;9(6):803-6.
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Annamma-Varghese-
3/publication/351480671_VO2_Max_Normative_values_Using_Queen's
_College_Step_Test_In_Urban_Healthy_Indian_Individuals_of_Age_Gr
oup_20-50_Years_-_Copy/links/609a395e299bf1ad8d90ccbf/VO2-Max-
Normative-value

3. Tauseef nabi. Tauseef Nabi; et al: assessment of cardiovascular fitness

among medical student by queen’s college step test. Int J biomed adv res.
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Assessment-of-cardiovascular-fitness-VO2-max-among-medic

4. Chatterjee S. Validity of Queen’s College step test for use with young
Indian men. British Journal of Sports Medicine [Internet]. 2004 Jun
1[cited 2019 Dec 7];38(3):2899.
https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/38/3/289.abstract

5. Liu, C.-M & Lin, K.-F. (2007). Estimation of V̇O2max: a comparative

analysis of post-exercise heart rate and physical fitness index from 3-
minute step test. Journal of Exercise Science and Fitness. 5. 118-123.
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2max_a_comparative_analysis_of_post
exercise_heart_rate_and_physical_fitness_index_from_3-
minute_step_test

25
6. Shete AN, Bute SS, Deshmukh PR. A Study of VO2 Max and Body Fat
Percentage in Female Athletes. J Clin Diagn Res. 2014
Dec;8(12):BC01-3. doi: 10.7860/JCDR/2014/10896.5329. Epub 2014
Dec 5. PMID: 25653935; PMCID: PMC4316241.
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7. Selland CA, Kelly J, Gums K, Meendering JR, Vukovich M. A

Generalized Equation for Prediction of VO2peak from a Step Test. Int J
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8. McArdle WD, Katch FI, Katch VL. Essentials of exercise Physiology.

Philadelphia: Lea and Febiger 1994; 271.
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9. Rajkiran tiku. Assessment of the cardio respiratory fitness in young college

going adults by 1 mile walk test – an observational study. Sharma,editor.
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26
11. DHANUSH KOTIAN, YOGITA HATMODE Cardiorespiratory
Fitness in Middle-aged Men and Women through the Queens
College Step Test: A Cross-sectional Study. Journal of Clinical &
Diagnostic Research 18 (1), 2024.
https://openurl.ebsco.com/EPDB%3Agcd%3A3%3A14460499/detail
v2?sid=ebsco%3Aplink%3Ascholar&id=ebsco%3Agcd%3A175371
000&crl=c

12. Debojyoti Bhatacharryya, Suranjana Sen. Subhojit Chatterje. Tirthankar

.Effect of Queen's College Step Test on Cognitive Performance among
Young Adults. Biology of exercise 13(1) , 2017.
https://openurl.ebsco.com/EPDB%3Agcd%3A11%3A14231003/detailv2
?sid=ebsco%3Aplink%3Ascholar&id=ebsco%3Agcd%3A123109818&cr
l=c

13. Karampreet Kour Buttar, Neha Saboo and Sudhanshu kicker. A review:
Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) and its estimation methods.
International journal of physical education, sports and health.
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Neha-
Saboo/publication/344122808_A_review_Maximal_oxygen_uptake_VO2_m
ax_and_its_estimation_methods/links/5f5337a192851c250b928214/A-
review-Maximal-oxygen-uptake-VO2-max-and-its-estimation-methods.pdf

27
ANNEXURES – Permission letter

28
29
 The SIA college of Health Science, College of Physiotherapy,
Dombivli.

Informed Consent Document (ICD)

[Participant Information Sheet (PIS) & Informed Consent Form (ICF)]

Study title: ‘Assessment of cardiovascular fitness (VO2 max) among physiotherapy students of
age 20 to 26 years by Queen college step test’
Principal Investigator:
Name: Miss Ritika Vilas Maru
Designation: Physiotherapy (Intern)
Mail: [email protected]
Address: Satrasta, Mumbai-400011.
Phone (24 hours): 9820856588

Participant’s Name: ...................................................

Participant Information Sheet (PIS)

1. Invitation paragraph

You are invited to participate in the study titled ‘Assessment of cardiovascular fitness (VO2
max) among physiotherapy students of age 20 to 26 years by Queen college step test’. The
purpose of this document is to provide you with information about this study. Please read this
document carefully and ask your doctor questions or seek clarification if anything is not clear
to you. When all your questions have been answered to your satisfaction and if you are
willing to participate in the study, you will be required to sign the consent form. You will be
provided with a copy of this information sheet for your reference.

2. Information about the study (Introduction)?

As a part of physiotherapy curriculum, students are expected to involve actively in

physiotherapy treatment, planning and implementation during the clinical hours.
Active involvement in management and assessment of patients requires physiotherapist to
be healthy in all the physical parameter to increase the efficiency. Queen’s College step test
is one of the methods to assess cardiovascular fitness.

3. Why am I being requested to participate in this study?

There is need for the students to measure and analyze their physical fitness for their own
benefit and improvement. For better productivity the students should be healthy and have
good physical fitness. Medical students of today are the doctors of tomorrow and a good
doctors must be physically fit and mentally alert.

4. What are the benefits of my participation?

The benefits of this study is that Cardiovascular endurance is more important in

physiotherapy students as they are actively involved in patients treatment, management and
diagnosis.VO2 max helps to check cardiovascular fitness and aerobic endurance and also
acts a predictor of risks of cardiovascular diseases. The measurement of V̇ O2 max provides a
quantitative value of endurance fitness for comparison of individual training effects and
between people in endurance training. Maximal oxygen consumption reflects cardio
respiratory and endurance capacity in exercise performance.

30
5. What will the study involve?

The study will be conducted in Thane district after approval of ethical committee on the
Physiotherapy students of 3rd BPTh, 4th BPTh , interns and master of physiotherapy students
will be included in the study. So there will be a 3 minutes test in which the students have to step
up and down the stepper and the pulse rate will be checked through which VO2 max will be
calculated.

6. What are the risks involved?

There is no as such risk involved in this study, as the data collected will not be shared
and will be confidential.

7. What will be the cost of participation?

There is no cost for the participation.

8. Will my results be informed to me?

As the test gets over the results will be informed to the respected participant

9. What are my responsibilities?

The student should not eat any heavy meal 1 hour before the test begins . Student who is
diagnosed case of any disorder or student who is taking medications making them unfit for
the test cannot perform the test

10. Is my participation compulsory?

The participation is not compulsory if the participation is willing to participate in the test he/she can.

11. Can I withdraw from the study?

If the participant cannot perform the test or he/ she is tired or has any issues the test will be
terminated and the participant can withdraw from the test whenever he/she wants to.

12. If something goes wrong what happens? Who treats & bears the cost?
As there is a risk of fall in Queens College Step test and if the participant is injured. I will
bear the cost for the treatment and provide any necessary help possible.

13. Do I get any compensation in case of research related injury?

Yes the participant will get any compensation in case of research related injury.

14. What about the confidentiality of my data?

The data collected will not be shared and will be confidential.

15. Is the study approved by ethics committee or review board?

Yes, the research study is approved by the ethical committee and review board.

16. Whom can I contact for more information?

The information shared in this document is enough, though in case of any doubts you can
contact the Principal investigator.
Principal investigator: Ritika Maru
31
No - 9820856588
 The SIA college of Health Science, College of Physiotherapy,
Dombivli.
Informed Consent Form (ICF)

Sample No.: ……………………

Study title: ‘Assessment of cardiovascular fitness (VO2 max) among physiotherapy students
of age 20 to 26 years by Queen college step test’
Principal Investigator
Name: Miss Ritika
Maru Subject’s Name:
Date of Birth / Age:
Address of the subject:
Qualification:
Occupation: Student
Please tick mark wherever applicable below:
1. I confirm that I have read and understood the information sheet dated for the above study
and have had the opportunity to ask questions
Yes /No
2. I understand that my participation in the study is voluntary and that I am free to
withdraw at any time, without giving any reason, without my medical care or legal rights
being affected.
Yes /No
3. I understand that the study team member, Ethics Committee and the regulatory authorities
will not need my permission to look at my health records both in respect of the current study
and any further research that may be conducted in relation to it, even if I withdraw from the
trial. I agree to this access. However, I understand that my identity will not be revealed in any
information released to third parties or published.
Yes /No
4. I agree not to restrict the use of any data or results that arise from this study provided such
a use is only for scientific purpose(s).
Yes/No
5. I agree to take part in the above
study. Yes /No

Signature (or Thumb

impression) of Subject
OR Date:
Legally Acceptable
Representative (LAR)
Signatory’s Name

Signature of the Impartial Date:

Witness
Name of the Impartial
Witness
Signature of the Date:
Investigator
Study Investigator’s Name

32
 Annexure 3 – Case Record Form

PROFORMA

Name of the participant -

Age/ Gender -

Height -

Weight -

Student - 3rd BPTh / 4th BPTh / Intern / Masters.

On any medication - Yes / No

Name of medication -

Any specific disease -

Past surgical history -

Pre Test Vitals Post Test Vitals

Pulse rate - Pulse rate -

Respiratory rate - Respiratory rate -

Blood pressure - Blood pressure -

SpO2 - SpO2 -

RPE – RPE –

Formula

Men = VO2 Max (ml / kg / min) = 111.3 – (0.42 x HR)

33
Name of the participant -

Age/ Gender -

Height -

Weight -

Student - 3rd BPTh / 4th BPTh / Intern / Masters.

On any medication - Yes / No

Name of medication -

Any specific disease -

Past surgical history -

Pre Test Vitals Post Test Vitals

Pulse rate - Pulse rate -

Respiratory rate - Respiratory rate -

Blood pressure - Blood pressure -

SpO2 - SpO2 -

RPE – RPE –

Formula

Women = VO2 Max (ml / kg / min) = 65.81 – (0.1847 x HR)

34
 Master Chart
Sr No Age Gender VO2 Max Remarks
1 24 F 38.1 Fair
2 22 F 35.52 Fair
3 21 F 33 Poor
4 21 F 33.5 Fair
5 22 F 36.81 Fair
6 24 F 37.92 Fair
7 22 F 34.2 Poor
8 22 F 38.4 Fair
9 24 F 45 Good
10 22 F 37.73 Fair
11 22 F 39.95 Good
12 23 F 37.73 Fair
13 23 F 39.21 Fair
14 22 F 38.47 Fair
15 23 F 34.04 Fair
16 23 F 39.95 Fair
17 22 F 39.76 Fair
18 22 F 39.21 Fair
19 21 F 38.47 Fair
20 20 F 39.02 Fair
21 22 F 39.58 Fair
22 22 F 41.24 Good
23 21 F 40.7 Good
24 21 F 39.02 Fair
25 21 F 38.47 Fair
26 23 F 40.32 Fair
27 23 F 41.98 Good
28 23 F 41.43 Good
29 22 F 40.32 Fair
30 22 F 40.88 Good
31 21 F 39.95 Fair
32 21 F 39.67 Fair
33 22 F 41.98 Good
34 22 F 39.58 Fair
35 21 F 43.09 Good
36 22 F 42.72 Good
37 22 F 40.32 Fair

35
38 23 F 40.69 Good
39 22 F 40.32 Fair
40 23 F 41.42 Good
41 22 F 39.21 Fair
42 21 F 39.95 Fair
43 21 F 40.69 Good
44 21 F 39.02 Fair
45 23 F 39.21 Fair
46 21 F 38.65 Fair
47 21 F 40.87 Good
48 21 F 40.13 Fair
49 21 F 39.21 Fair
50 23 F 40.32 Fair
51 23 F 41.4 Good
52 22 F 38.10 Fair
53 22 F 41.80 Good
54 21 F 40.87 Good
55 21 F 37.18 Fair
56 22 F 40.14 Fair
57 21 F 41.8 Good
58 21 F 40 Fair
59 22 F 39.02 Fair
60 22 F 39.02 Fair
61 20 F 41.06 Good
62 20 F 38.28 Fair
63 23 F 38.47 Fair
64 20 F 41.8 Good
65 21 F 38.30 Fair
66 21 F 38.80 Fair
67 23 F 37.73 Fair
68 23 F 41.06 Good
69 21 F 41.79 Good
70 21 F 41.06 Good
71 21 F 41.24 Good
72 21 F 39.76 Fair
73 20 F 39.40 Fair
74 22 F 43.09 Good
75 21 F 39.95 Fair
76 22 F 40.32 Fair
77 23 F 39.40 Fair
78 21 F 42.72 Good
79 22 F 42.35 Good

36
 80 21 F 40.32 Fair
81 23 F 40.32 Fair
82 21 F 39.02 Fair
83 21 F 39.21 Fair
84 23 F 39.77 Fair
85 21 F 40.5 Fair
86 23 F 39.39 Fair
87 22 F 39.39 Fair
88 22 F 38.84 Fair
89 22 F 40.69 Good
90 23 F 41.61 Good
91 21 F 40.50 Fair
92 23 F 40.32 Fair
93 22 F 38.47 Fair
94 21 F 40.87 Good
95 24 F 41.42 Good
96 25 F 39.02 Fair
97 23 F 40.13 Fair
98 22 M 55.86 Excellent
99 22 M 57.15 Excellent
100 22 M 42.9 Poor
101 22 M 55.44 Good
102 21 M 58.41 Excellent
103 22 M 42.03 Poor
104 22 M 48.33 Fair
105 21 M 56.73 Good
106 22 M 57.15 Excellent
107 20 M 67.22 Superior
108 23 M 60.93 Excellent
109 22 M 55.05 Good
110 22 M 52.95 Good
111 20 M 52.11 Good
112 25 M 51.69 Good

37