Reebok Step: Reebok aerobic step is a height adjustable, shock-absorbing low impact step that is commonly used in many health clubs. For the step test the height is set at 150 centimetres (6 inches). BP machine: Pharmaceuticals Upper Arm Blood Pressure/Pulse Monitor. Heart Rate Monitor: Oregon Scientific SE102I measure electrocardiographic signals via a chest strap. Electronic data logger: logger (Oregon Scientific WM100) that collected continuous data from the chest strap for later analysis.
Audible recording: An Apple iPad2 auditory recording guided the participant though the step sequence, commands such as: on the first beat the participant was asked to step one foot up onto the step, on the second beat the participant was asked to step the other foot up on to the step. Following the third beat the participant was required to step down off the step with one foot. The fourth beat the participant stepped the remaining foot down, collectively this is a known as the sequence of four. The recording also contained advice regarding safety. During the test the participant heard an audible soundtrack, which helped eliminate confusion for the participant, and enabled the participant to maintain the correct cadence per minute.
5.1.5 The Op-Ft procedure (Step 1-6)
Step 1: Medical notes screen and health history is taken via PAR-Q form, age, gender, weight, height, blood pressure, resting heart rate recorded (please see assessment form page 80).
Step 2: The heart rate transmitter belt is placed next to the skin of the participant, after applying contact gel on to the sensors. The belt must be fastened around the participant’s chest and the 2 sensors located under the pectoral muscles, one against each side of the chest. The chest strap senses the participant's heart rate and transmits a signal using wireless technology to the watch. The watch displays the heart rate in beats per minute. The participant’s age, weight and height are programmed into the watch and the auditory alarm set for 77% of the participant’s predicted heart rate maximum (this will ensure the participant does not exceed the 77%). The watch is then fixed to the participant’s wrist, displaying the heart pulse mode. The electronic data logger (Oregon Scientific WM100) will then be activated, which collects continuous data from the chest strap and will capture the participant’s heart rate throughout the assessment for later analysis.
Respect for the participant’s privacy and dignity was maintained at all times; if the participant need help with fitting the chest belt they were asked for their permission before assistance was provided. Gender specific assistance was available at all Op-Ft. The chest belt was cleaned with a surgical disinfectant to eliminate any cross infection. The same watch and chest belt were used on all assessments to eliminate any product variations. No two heart rate monitors were used within close proximity to each other, as this may have cause the watch and logger to pick up signals from both chest belts resulting in incorrect data.
Step 3: Step bench: The step was set at the lowest possible platform height, which is 150 cm (6 inches). The participant is shown the step sequence which includes advice on the participant’s safety; this states that if at any time the participant feels dizzy, unbalanced or unduly fatigued, they should stop and inform the test supervisor/instructor. The participant is then asked to practice stepping up on to the step. During this time the participant is given guidance on technique, postural alignment and proper foot positioning. The participant is asked to keep tempo with the bleeps that they will hear via the audio soundtrack on the iPad2. If the participant is finding this difficult the researcher steps with the participant, which helps keep time with the audible recording. When the participant and researcher were happy the test began, lasting 3 minutes. (Please see appendix H for details of step advice)
The researcher continually monitored the stepping sequence and advised the participant if they observed any deterioration in form that would either lead to injury or compromise safety.
Step 4: During the Op-Ft test, participants were asked not to talk as this has an upward effect on the heart rate. However, the test researcher did encourage the participant to maintain correct form or check with the participant if they see any undue signs of distress or fatigue. For standardisation purposes the test was administrated by the same test
researcher and that the participant was given the same verbal encouragement as previous tests.
Step 5: The participant was monitored throughout the test for any indications of undue fatigue, dizziness, balance and coordination problems. If the participant appears to be in distress or in danger of falling, the test was be discontinued and recorded as incomplete on the Op-FT assessment form. Step 6: Collecting data, participant’s resting heart rate was recorded before the test. During the test, the test supervisor monitors the participant’s heart rate via the wrist recorder and record maximum heart rate during test and heart rate on completion of the test. The participant was then asked to sit quietly for three minutes. Heart rate was recorded thereafter every minute until three minutes have elapsed. See below Op-FT assessment form.
The test was administered three times over a 24-week period the results were then compared. Baseline assessment T1 was undertaken 12 weeks before the walking programme commenced. Second assessment or T2 was undertaken one week before the start of the 12-week walking programme. The third assessment T3 took place no more than one week after the participant completed the 12-week walking programme.