The Tecumseh step test is a modified version of the Harvard Step Test,[1] and was developed by Professor Henry J. Montoye at the Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan.
These alterations made this test easier to perform in people across a wide range of ages and physical capacities, and therefore was more suitable for epidemiological studies.
[2] The number of heart beats from 30 seconds to 1 minute after the end of the 3-minute step test is used to assess cardiovascular fitness level.
The results of the test can also be used to estimate maximum oxygen consumption during exercise (VO2 max).
[5] During this study, 2696 men and 2568 women aged between 10 and 69 years old performed the Tecumseh step test.