Here is the assignment:
Anaerobic Power (AnP) Step Test
The AnP Step Test is a modification of three other step tests - Sharkey (1984), Skubic-Hodgkins (1963), and Manahan and Gutin (1971). There are three major differences between the AnP Step Test and the aerobic step tests. First, there is no prescribed cadence; the subject goes as fast as possible. The second is that one foot (dominant leg) remains on the step for the duration of the test. Thus, the AnP step test is essentially a one-legged step test. The third difference is that the subject stands beside (parallel), not facing, the bench step.
The AnP Step Test may be categorized as both a short and long anaerobic test because the duration is 60 seconds. Thus the performance of the AnP Test is primarily dependent on the glycolytic pathway of metabolism, and secondarily, on the phosphagen (ATP-PC) system. The test reliability is very high (r = 0.96).
The equipment for the test is very inexpensive as it requires only a bench (the step), a stopwatch, a calculator, and an accurate body weight scale. The height of the bench is 40 cm (15.75 in.). The primary considerations for the procedures are: (a) the stepping technique; (b) the measurements, and (c) the calculations of anaerobic power and capacity.
Stepping Technique
The stepping technique is much different from any of the common aerobic stepping techniques. The technique places greater emphasis on one leg than the other. The subject stands alongside the bench, not in front of it; the test leg (dominant) rests on the top of the step (bench) in preparation for the start of the test. The other leg, called the free leg, need not touch the bench when the test leg lifts the body (See the illustration below).
During the test, each step should raise the body to the top of the step with the one test leg; the free leg dangles in a straight position during the ascent; it supports and pushes off when the foot contacts the floor. The legs and the back must be straightened with each step. In fact, the back should start in a straight position and never be changed throughout the test. The arms may be used for balance, but cannot be pumped vigorously during the test. Ideally, they should be maintained in a penguin-like position. The cadence for the test is a 1-2 count; 1 is up and 2 is down.
The subject should be instructed to go all-out without pacing for the duration of the test. Thus, the subject should be exhausted, or nearly so, at the end of the test. Exhaustion is defined in this case as the inability to make another step.
Measurements
Measurements are made on only three items: (a) the weight of the subject; (b) the number of steps by the subject; and (c) the timing of the test. The subject is weighed to the nearest tenth of a kilogram in the same clothes and shoes that are worn for the step test. The weight is important because it will enter into the calculations for anaerobic power and anaerobic capacity.
A step is counted for each time the subject's support leg is straightened and then returned to the starting position. Steps are not counted if the subject does not straighten the support leg or if the subject's back is bent. The number of steps should be counted and recorded for the 15th and 60th seconds. The duration of the test is the same for everyone and the technician should call out the time every 15 seconds.
Calculations
Peak Anaerobic Power (ATP-PC System):
In kpm∙sec-1 = [(F x D)/t] x 1.33
Where: F = force; the mass of the subject in kg (i.e. force in kp)
D = .40m x number of steps in 15 secs.
t = 15 seconds
1.33 = factor to convert positive work to total work
Then, to convert to watts, divide by the conversion factor 0.102
Peak Anaerobic Capacity (Glycolysis):
In kpm∙min-1 = [(F x D)/t] x 1.33
Where: F = force; the mass of the subject in kg (i.e. force in kp)
D = .40m x number of steps in one minute.
t = 1 (for one minute)
1.33 = factor to convert positive work to total work
Then, to convert to watts, divide by the conversion factor 6.12
Results
Name
Steps in 15 seconds:
Steps in one minute:
Peak Anaerobic Power (kpm∙sec):
Peak Anaerobic Power (watts):
Peak Anaerobic Capacity (kpm∙min):
Peak Anaerobic Capacity (watts):
In your conclusion section, you need to address this question; it is the most important observation!
What happened to power output over time, from 15 secs to 60 secs? Explain why this occurred. You need to incorporate the energy systems in to your explanation of these findings.
Complete the above assignment averages & abstract with the outline, Purpose: Methods: Results: Conclusion:
For abstract: compute the averages for the following data: (age, % male and female, peak anaerobic power (watts) and peak anaerobic capacity (watts). Only report the averages of the data in the data section.
For results: include average data listed above, range (high and low) sub data: avg age, # of participants.
In conclusion, include factors that can affect the step test such as form, weight, previous injuries (talk about how a girl in the class had a previous ankle injury which slowed her down), if they had leg day before this workout it could've slowed them down, and glucose levels,