ABOUT THE TEST
Chester Step: practical aerobic fitness testing.
The Chester Step Test is a progressive, submaximal aerobic fitness assessment developed by Professor Kevin Sykes. It estimates cardiorespiratory capacity from the heart-rate response to stepping exercise.
THE STORY
From workplace testing to professional practice.
Kevin Sykes’ 1995 paper, “Capacity assessment in the workplace: a new step test”, introduced the Chester College Step Test as a practical workplace method for assessing aerobic capacity.
Professor Kevin Sykes is Professor Emeritus of Occupational Health and Workplace Fitness at the University of Chester. His work includes the original test description, the 2004 validation study with Alison Roberts and later occupational guidance.
Cartwright Fitness develops the official Chester Step Test software and works directly with Professor Sykes to support professional use of the test.
Developed by Professor Kevin Sykes, who works closely with our team and endorses the Chester Step software and Cartwright Assess.
WHAT IT MEASURES
Useful in the field. Interpreted with care.
The test estimates aerobic capacity, often expressed as estimated VO₂max in ml/kg/min. It does not directly measure respiratory gases. Heart rate is the key physiological response; perceived exertion provides further information during delivery.
A software result alone does not determine fitness for work or diagnose a medical condition. The practitioner must decide whether the method is suitable for the participant and purpose.
Put the Chester Step protocol into practice.
Explore the software workflow, or ask the team which setup fits your service.
The official Chester Step Test software, equipment and practitioner resources.
Software
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The Chester Step Test and Treadmill methodologies are the IPR and copyright of Professor Kevin Sykes. Associated software, including CST2, is copyright Cartwright Fitness Ltd 2013–2026. All rights reserved.