Abstract
The step test is widely accepted as a simple method of measuring endurance, but due to the lack of special apparatus necessary, it takes time to complete the test when many subjects are involved. Difficulties arise in estimating the subjects tested at different times.
In order to solve this problem, I devised the burpee push up test, which, without apparatus, makes it possible to measure many subjects at one time. The test requires only simple actions which cause the main muscles of the body to work. With male subjects from the age of 10 to 29 participating in the test, the following results were obtained:
1) The heart rate and its tendency to increase during exercise in the burpee push up test showed a remarkable similarity to those of the step test. The highest heart rate during physical exercise appeared just 30 seconds before the end of the exercise. There was a very close correlation in the heart rate between the two exercises. Hence appears a remarkable resemblance in the amount of simulation to the body caused by both tests.
2) The heart rate during recovery and its tendency to decrease showed a similarity between both exercises. The heart rate was measured three times, and there was a very small difference in the total combined rates between the two groups, which shows an extremely close correlation in the total heart rate.
3) Regarding the step test, an index whereby endurance is judged is calculated. The index of the burpee push up test was almost the same as that of the step test : an extremely close correlation was found between the indexes. Thus the tables of various items in a physical fitness test and of different ages can be used in the burpee push up test.
4) Since no apparatus is used for the burpee push up test, subjects themselves can make measurements by taking each other's pulse.
In conclusion, endurance can be estimated by using the burpee push up test, and the results obtained from the test are almost the same as those of the present step test.
