Question

Mention the fitness index score formula and its norms for the Harvard Step Test.

Hint:

The Harvard Step Test is an effective measure to assess cardiovascular fitness and the efficiency of the heart's recovery following exertion.

Answer 1

To solve the problem, we need to state the fitness index score formula used in the Harvard Step Test and list the standard norms used to interpret the score.

1. Fitness Index Score Formula (Harvard Step Test):
The Harvard Step Test evaluates cardiovascular fitness based on recovery time after exercise. The formula to calculate the Fitness Index (FI) is:

Fitness Index (FI) = \( \frac{\text{Duration of exercise in seconds} \times 100}{2 \times \text{Sum of 3 pulse counts}} \)

Explanation:

• Duration of Exercise: Usually 300 seconds (5 minutes) if completed fully.
• Pulse Counts: Taken for 30 seconds each at 1–1.5 min, 2–2.5 min, and 3–3.5 min after stopping the exercise.

2. Norms for Fitness Index Score:
The following standards are used to assess the fitness level:

Fitness Index Score	Rating
Above 96	Excellent
83 – 96	Good
68 – 82	Average
Below 68	Poor

Final Answer:
The Fitness Index Score for the Harvard Step Test is calculated using the formula:
FI = \( \frac{\text{Exercise Duration (sec)} \times 100}{2 \times \text{Sum of 3 Pulse Counts}} \).
The norms are: Above 96 – Excellent, 83–96 – Good, 68–82 – Average, and Below 68 – Poor.