Question

A male student performed the Harvard Step Test for 4 minutes. His pulse was recorded during the recovery periods as 58 beats in the first half-minute, 50 beats in the second, and 42 beats in the third. Using the Harvard Step Test formula, calculate his Fitness Index and state whether his score falls in the Excellent, Good, or Average category.

Hint:

The Harvard Step Test is a simple method for assessing cardiovascular fitness based on pulse recovery after exercise.

Answer 1

Step 1: Harvard Step Test Formula.
The formula to calculate the Fitness Index (FI) is: \[ FI = \frac{100 \times \text{duration of the test in seconds}}{\text{2.5} \times (\text{sum of recovery pulse rates})} \] Step 2: Data.
- Duration of the test = 4 minutes = 240 seconds
- Recovery pulse rates: 58, 50, and 42 Step 3: Calculate the Fitness Index.
Sum of recovery pulse rates = 58 + 50 + 42 = 150 \[ FI = \frac{100 \times 240}{2.5 \times 150} = \frac{24000}{375} = 64 \] Step 4: Categorize the Fitness Index.
Based on the Harvard Step Test, a score of 64 falls in the Average category.