Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the 3-minute step test was a more effective indicator of cardiorespiratory fitness for aerobic dance classes than the 1.5 mile run test. Thirty-four female volunteer students ranging in age from 18 to 23 participated in this study. Subjects completed the 1.5 mile run test and the 3minute step test as part of their PEFWL course requirements. In addition, they completed the microfit cycle test as an outside class assignment. Pearson Product Moment Correlations were calculated to determine the relationship, if any, between the 3-minute step test and the MicroFit, and the 1.5 mile run test and the MicroFit (p<.05). Both assessments were significantly correlated to the MicroFit (i=.58 1.5 mile run test; r=.70 3-minute step test). Results of this study indicated that the 3minute step test and the 1.5 mile run test were both significantly correlated to the MicroFit test but the 3-minute step test was more highly correlated than the 1.5 mile run test. Despite the stronger correlation, the magnitude was not strong enough to state that the 3-minute step test was statistically better than the 1.5 mile run test. The researcher believes that further analysis of both assessments needs to be completed to determine whether the difference that occurred was due to chance or because the 3minute step test was a better measure of cardiorespiratory endurance.