stepping at the appropriate
stepping rate, and will continue to step for the next 2 minutes.
After the first 2 minutes of stepping (stage 1) your heart rate will be recorded during the last few seconds of stepping. (You may also be asked to indicate your rating of perceived exertion (RPE) from a chart numbered 6 to 20, low scores being very, very light exertion and high scores being very, very hard exertion).
Providing your heart rate is below 80% of your maximum heart rate and the RPE is below 14, you'll be asked to continue stepping at the slightly faster rate in stage 2 (20 steps/min).
After another 2 minutes of stepping your your heart rate will be recorded during the last few seconds of stage 2, and again you may be asked to indicate your RPE from the chart provided.
Providing your heart rate is below 80% of your maximum heart rate and the RPE is below 14, you'll be asked to continue stepping at the slightly faster rate is stage 3 (25 steps/min).
The test will continue until either you report an RPE greater than 14 and/or an exercise heart rate greater than 80% of your maximum heart rate (stage 4 = 30 steps/min, stage 5 = 35 steps/min)
Your results will then be plotted and a decision will be made by the Occupational Doctor whether or not you pass the criteria for the step test.
