PROTOCOL AND EDITIONS
Deliver the Chester Step Test consistently.
This overview explains the stage structure. Use the current authorised protocol, screening and stopping guidance for your setting before testing.
AT A GLANCE
Five stages. Two minutes per stage.
The participant is not expected to complete every stage. Follow the complete stepping pattern in the Chester audio, not an inferred footfall tempo.
STAGE 1
15 steps/min
2 minutes · 2 min elapsed
STAGE 2
20 steps/min
2 minutes · 4 min elapsed
STAGE 3
25 steps/min
2 minutes · 6 min elapsed
STAGE 4
30 steps/min
2 minutes · 8 min elapsed
STAGE 5
35 steps/min
2 minutes · 10 min elapsed
BEFORE AND DURING THE TEST
Prepare, monitor and record.
1. Prepare
Use an appropriate pre-exercise screening and supervision process. Check step stability and height, the heart-rate monitor, correct Chester pacing audio and authorised Borg 6–20 RPE scale.
2. Explain and practise
Practise the movement before starting. Begin at 15 steps per minute and follow the audio through the two-minute stages.
3. Monitor and stop appropriately
Record heart rate and RPE as the protocol requires. Apply all stopping rules, including participant request, inability to maintain cadence and concerning signs. The classic validation used 80% of age-predicted maximum heart rate; this is not a guarantee of safety.
4. Keep a complete record
Record step height, protocol/audio/software version, stage data, heart rate, RPE and stopping reason. Use the matching calculation method. Compare repeat tests under consistent conditions.
Published protocol guidance describes 15, 20, 25 and 30 cm equipment options. The CST2 product page also lists 10 cm in the software. Select a height supported by your exact protocol and calculation; do not assume all options are interchangeable.
CHOOSE YOUR EDITION
Match the edition to your testing setting.
The current standalone CST2 shop lists five editions. Select the configuration for your testing setting; an edition does not replace the appropriate clinical or occupational protocol.
Standard
Fire & Rescue Service
Cardiac Rehabilitation
Commercial Diver
Home Testing
[Colin: confirm the final Assess edition list and naming before migrating customers]
Ready to deliver the test consistently?
Match your protocol with the right software edition and practitioner preparation.
The official Chester Step Test software, equipment and practitioner resources.
Software
[Colin: approve current Cartwright Fitness privacy/cookie policies and terms; legacy links named a different owner.]
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.