Healthy AdultsNDFCFIHAUTQCSTNCT07275619
Normative Data for Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Healthy Adults
An observational study of Healthy Adults, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is a physical attribute which represents how effectively various bodily systems work together to transport and utilize oxygen to support muscular activity during prolonged, rhythmic, large-muscle, whole-body exercise. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Healthy Adults
- How many people
- 800 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 15 Dec 2025to Jul 2026
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Study population: healthy adults
Who may be able to join
- • Pakistani Adults of age group 18-65 according to ACSM's guidelines
- Current healthy adults recruited by filling PAR_Q test
- IPAQ short form will be administered, Participants scoring moderate or high activity level will be selected to perform QCST
- BMI ≥ 18.5 kg/m2 - ≤ 24.9 kg/m2
- Resting spO2 >95%
- Resting heart rate ≥60bpm and ≤100bpm
- Mentally and physically fit adults without any physical, physiological and psychological issues
Who cannot join
- Presence of any acute/chronic illness Any cardiovascular, respiratory, neuromuscular, psychological, musculoskeletal or orthopedic condition and history of surgery Individuals taking any medical treatment History of active smoking
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Pakistan1 site
Riphah International University, Lahore
Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000
About this study
Official title: Normative Data for Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Healthy Adults Using the Queen's College Step Test
Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is a physical attribute which represents how effectively various bodily systems work together to transport and utilize oxygen to support muscular activity during prolonged, rhythmic, large-muscle, whole-body exercise. A key element associated with physical fitness is VO2max, which is referred to as cardiorespiratory fitness. Queen's college step test will be used to estimate the VO2max. This study will be cross sectional, normative study. Healthy adults aged 18-65 years from community setting will be recruited through non probability convenient sampling technique to collect data as per inclusion criteria. Sample size will be approximately 800, consist of equal ratio of males and females. Heart Rate, Recovery Heart Rate, VO2 max and METS will be calculated of each subject. Following equation is used to calculate VO2max, for females: VO2max = 65.81- [0.1847× HR] for males: VO2max = 111.33- [0.42× HR]. Data analysis will be conducted by using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 28.
Read the detailed description
Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is a physical attribute which represents how effectively various bodily systems work together to transport and utilize oxygen to support muscular activity during prolonged, rhythmic, large-muscle, whole-body exercise. A key element associated with physical fitness is VO2max, which is referred to as cardiorespiratory fitness. Queen's college step test (reliability = 0.92, validity = 0.75) will be used to estimate the VO2max. The objectives of the study is to obtain the normative reference values for cardiorespiratory fitness in healthy pakistani adults.
This study will be cross sectional, normative study. Healthy adults aged 18-65 years from community setting will be recruited through non probability convenient sampling technique to collect data as per inclusion criteria. Sample size will be approximately 800, consist of equal ratio of males and females. Heart Rate, Recovery Heart Rate, VO2 max and METS will be calculated of each subject. Following equation is used to calculate VO2max, for females: VO2max = 65.81- [0.1847× HR] for males: VO2max = 111.33- [0.42× HR]. Demographics include Age (years), Height (m2), Weight (kg) and Body Mass Index (BMI kg/m2) will be measure for each subject.Data analysis will be conducted by using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 28.
Key words:
Adults, Cardiorespiratory fitness, Normative, Queen's college step test, VO2max
- Conditions
- Healthy Adults
- Keywords
- Adults, Cardiorespiratory fitness, Normative, Queen's college step test, VO2max
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Cohort 1: 18 - 29 years | Cohort 1 will be approximately 200 consist of 100 males and 100 females. Subjects will be divided into cohort group according to their age. Queen's college step test will be used to estimate the VO2max | |
| Cohort 2: 30 - 41 years | Cohort 2 will be approximately 200 consist of 100 males and 100 females. Subjects will be divided into cohort group according to their age. Queen's college step test will be used to estimate the VO2max | |
| Cohort 3: 42 - 53 years | Cohort 3 will be approximately 200 consist of 100 males and 100 females. Subjects will be divided into cohort group according to their age. Queen's college step test will be used to estimate the VO2max | |
| Cohort 4: 54 - 65 years | Cohort 4 will be approximately 200 consist of 100 males and 100 females. Subjects will be divided into cohort group according to their age. Queen's college step test will be used to estimate the VO2max |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Queen's college step test
QCST will be used to estimate the VO2max. The step test will be performed using a tool of 16.25 inches height. Stepping will be performed for a total duration of 3 minutes at the rate of 22 steps per minute for females and 24 steps per minute for males which will be set by a metronome. After completing the stepping , the subject remains standing, wait 5 seconds, take a 15s heart rate count and multiply the HR by 4 to convert into beats per minute. following equation is used to predict VO2max.
For females: VO2max = 65.81- [0.1847× HR] For males: VO2max = 111.33- [0.42× HR] The reliability and validity of queen's college step test is 0.92 and 0.75 respectively.
Measured: one time point
pulse oximeter
Heart rate will be calculated by pulse oximeter. After completing the stepping , the subject remains standing, wait 5 seconds, take a 15s heart rate count and multiply the HR by 4 to convert into beats per minute.
Measured: one time point
Recovery Heart Rate
Recovery heart rate will be measure by substracting the heart rate after 1 minute from the peak heart rate which will be compare with standard values to check the heart health.
Measured: one time point
METS
Metabolic equivalents of task (METS) will be calculated dividing VO2max by 3.5ml/kg/min.
METS = VO2 MAX ÷ 3.5 ml/kg/min
Measured: one time point
Secondary outcomes (3)
stadiometer
height (m2) will be measure through stadiometer
Measured: one time point
weighing machine
weight (kg) will be measure through weighing machine
Measured: one time point
Body Mass Index
BMI will be calculated dividing weight by height (m2).
Measured: one time point
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted10 Dec 2025
- Study start15 Dec 2025 (estimated)
- Primary completion15 Mar 2026 (estimated)
- Study completionJul 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (9)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Healthy AdultsStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Riphah International UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Enrolment
- 800 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Wajeeha Zia, Riphah International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07275619
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- nida naz
- Acronym
- NDFCFIHAUTQCST
- Status last verified
- Nov 2025
- First submitted
- 27 Nov 2025
- Last updated
- 10 Dec 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Publications
Kunutsor SK, Isiozor NM, Myers J, Seidu S, Khunti K, Laukkanen JA. Baseline and usual cardiorespiratory fitness and the risk of chronic kidney disease: A prospective study and meta-analysis of published observational cohort studies. Geroscience. 2023 Jun;45(3):1761-1774. doi: 10.1007/s11357-023-00727-3. Epub 2023 Jan 17.
PubMed 36646903Rossi Neto JM, Tebexreni AS, Alves ANF, Smanio PEP, de Abreu FB, Thomazi MC, Nishio PA, Cuninghant IA. Cardiorespiratory fitness data from 18,189 participants who underwent treadmill cardiopulmonary exercise testing in a Brazilian population. PLoS One. 2019 Jan 9;14(1):e0209897. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209897. eCollection 2019.
PubMed 30625200Kaminsky LA, Arena R, Myers J. Reference Standards for Cardiorespiratory Fitness Measured With Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing: Data From the Fitness Registry and the Importance of Exercise National Database. Mayo Clin Proc. 2015 Nov;90(11):1515-23. doi: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2015.07.026. Epub 2015 Oct 5.
PubMed 26455884Ekblom-Bak E, Ekblom O, Andersson G, Wallin P, Soderling J, Hemmingsson E, Ekblom B. Decline in cardiorespiratory fitness in the Swedish working force between 1995 and 2017. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2019 Feb;29(2):232-239. doi: 10.1111/sms.13328. Epub 2018 Nov 15.
PubMed 30351472Hills AP, Jayasinghe S, Arena R, Byrne NM. Global status of cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity - Are we improving or getting worse? Prog Cardiovasc Dis. 2024 Mar-Apr;83:16-22. doi: 10.1016/j.pcad.2024.02.008. Epub 2024 Feb 27.
PubMed 38417767Sloan RA. Estimated Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Metabolic Risks. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2024 May 16;21(5):635. doi: 10.3390/ijerph21050635.
PubMed 38791849Dourado VZ, Nishiaka RK, Simoes MSMP, Lauria VT, Tanni SE, Godoy I, Gagliardi ART, Romiti M, Arantes RL. Classification of cardiorespiratory fitness using the six-minute walk test in adults: Comparison with cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Pulmonology. 2021 Nov-Dec;27(6):500-508. doi: 10.1016/j.pulmoe.2021.03.006. Epub 2021 May 4.
PubMed 33958319Liu Y, Zhu J, Guo Z, Yu J, Zhang X, Ge H, Zhu Y. Estimated cardiorespiratory fitness and incident risk of cardiovascular disease in China. BMC Public Health. 2023 Nov 24;23(1):2338. doi: 10.1186/s12889-023-16864-5.
PubMed 38001416Lang JJ, Prince SA, Merucci K, Cadenas-Sanchez C, Chaput JP, Fraser BJ, Manyanga T, McGrath R, Ortega FB, Singh B, Tomkinson GR. Cardiorespiratory fitness is a strong and consistent predictor of morbidity and mortality among adults: an overview of meta-analyses representing over 20.9 million observations from 199 unique cohort studies. Br J Sports Med. 2024 May 2;58(10):556-566. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2023-107849.
PubMed 38599681
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 10 Dec 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Normative Data for Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Healthy Adults Using the Queen's College Step Test
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07275619
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- NDFCFIHAUTQCST / nida naz
- Conditions
- Healthy Adults
- Keywords
- Adults, Cardiorespiratory fitness, Normative, Queen's college step test, VO2max
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Enrolling by invitation
- Enrolment
- 800 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 15 Dec 2025 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 15 Mar 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Jul 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 10 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is a physical attribute which represents how effectively various bodily systems work together to transport and utilize oxygen to support muscular activity during prolonged, rhythmic, large-muscle, whole-body exercise. A key element associated with physical fitness is VO2max, which is referred to as cardiorespiratory fitness. Queen's college step test will be used to estimate the VO2max. This study will be cross sectional, normative study. Healthy adults aged 18-65 years from community setting will be recruited through non probability convenient sampling technique to collect data as per inclusion criteria. Sample size will be approximately 800, consist of equal ratio of males and females. Heart Rate, Recovery Heart Rate, VO2 max and METS will be calculated of each subject. Following equation is used to calculate VO2max, for females: VO2max = 65.81- [0.1847× HR] for males: VO2max = 111.33- [0.42× HR]. Data analysis will be conducted by using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 28.
Detailed description
Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is a physical attribute which represents how effectively various bodily systems work together to transport and utilize oxygen to support muscular activity during prolonged, rhythmic, large-muscle, whole-body exercise. A key element associated with physical fitness is VO2max, which is referred to as cardiorespiratory fitness. Queen's college step test (reliability = 0.92, validity = 0.75) will be used to estimate the VO2max. The objectives of the study is to obtain the normative reference values for cardiorespiratory fitness in healthy pakistani adults.
This study will be cross sectional, normative study. Healthy adults aged 18-65 years from community setting will be recruited through non probability convenient sampling technique to collect data as per inclusion criteria. Sample size will be approximately 800, consist of equal ratio of males and females. Heart Rate, Recovery Heart Rate, VO2 max and METS will be calculated of each subject. Following equation is used to calculate VO2max, for females: VO2max = 65.81- [0.1847× HR] for males: VO2max = 111.33- [0.42× HR]. Demographics include Age (years), Height (m2), Weight (kg) and Body Mass Index (BMI kg/m2) will be measure for each subject.Data analysis will be conducted by using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 28.
Key words:
Adults, Cardiorespiratory fitness, Normative, Queen's college step test, VO2max
Study design
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Number of arms
- 4
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Cohort 1: 18 - 29 years | – | –Cohort 1 will be approximately 200 consist of 100 males and 100 females. Subjects will be divided into cohort group according to their age. Queen's college step test will be used to estimate the VO2max |
| Cohort 2: 30 - 41 years | – | –Cohort 2 will be approximately 200 consist of 100 males and 100 females. Subjects will be divided into cohort group according to their age. Queen's college step test will be used to estimate the VO2max |
| Cohort 3: 42 - 53 years | – | –Cohort 3 will be approximately 200 consist of 100 males and 100 females. Subjects will be divided into cohort group according to their age. Queen's college step test will be used to estimate the VO2max |
| Cohort 4: 54 - 65 years | – | –Cohort 4 will be approximately 200 consist of 100 males and 100 females. Subjects will be divided into cohort group according to their age. Queen's college step test will be used to estimate the VO2max |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
- Study population
- healthy adults
Key inclusion criteria (7 listed)
- • Pakistani Adults of age group 18-65 according to ACSM's guidelines
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Presence of any acute/chronic illness Any cardiovascular, respiratory, neuromuscular, psychological, musculoskeletal or orthopedic condition and history of surgery Individuals taking any medical treatment History of active smoking
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Primary outcome
Queen's college step test
Time frame: one time point
QCST will be used to estimate the VO2max. The step test will be performed using a tool of 16.25 inches height. Stepping will be performed for a total duration of 3 minutes at the rate of 22 steps per minute for females and 24 steps per minute for males which will be set by a metronome. After completing the stepping , the subject remains standing, wait 5 seconds, take a 15s heart rate count and multiply the HR by 4 to convert into beats per minute. following equation is used to predict VO2max. For females: VO2max = 65.81- [0.1847× HR] For males: VO2max = 111.33- [0.42× HR] The reliability and validity of queen's college step test is 0.92 and 0.75 respectively.
pulse oximeter
Time frame: one time point
Heart rate will be calculated by pulse oximeter. After completing the stepping , the subject remains standing, wait 5 seconds, take a 15s heart rate count and multiply the HR by 4 to convert into beats per minute.
Recovery Heart Rate
Time frame: one time point
Recovery heart rate will be measure by substracting the heart rate after 1 minute from the peak heart rate which will be compare with standard values to check the heart health.
METS
Time frame: one time point
Metabolic equivalents of task (METS) will be calculated dividing VO2max by 3.5ml/kg/min. METS = VO2 MAX ÷ 3.5 ml/kg/min
3 secondary outcomes
stadiometer
Time frame: one time point
weighing machine
Time frame: one time point
Body Mass Index
Time frame: one time point
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 10 Dec 2025.
- Background: PubMed 36646903Kunutsor SK, Isiozor NM, Myers J, Seidu S, Khunti K, Laukkanen JA. Baseline and usual cardiorespiratory fitness and the risk of chronic kidney disease: A prospective study and meta-analysis of published observational cohort studies. Geroscience. 2023 Jun;45(3):1761-1774. doi: 10.1007/s11357-023-00727-3. Epub 2023 Jan 17.
- Background: PubMed 30625200Rossi Neto JM, Tebexreni AS, Alves ANF, Smanio PEP, de Abreu FB, Thomazi MC, Nishio PA, Cuninghant IA. Cardiorespiratory fitness data from 18,189 participants who underwent treadmill cardiopulmonary exercise testing in a Brazilian population. PLoS One. 2019 Jan 9;14(1):e0209897. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209897. eCollection 2019.
- Background: PubMed 26455884Kaminsky LA, Arena R, Myers J. Reference Standards for Cardiorespiratory Fitness Measured With Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing: Data From the Fitness Registry and the Importance of Exercise National Database. Mayo Clin Proc. 2015 Nov;90(11):1515-23. doi: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2015.07.026. Epub 2015 Oct 5.
- Background: PubMed 30351472Ekblom-Bak E, Ekblom O, Andersson G, Wallin P, Soderling J, Hemmingsson E, Ekblom B. Decline in cardiorespiratory fitness in the Swedish working force between 1995 and 2017. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2019 Feb;29(2):232-239. doi: 10.1111/sms.13328. Epub 2018 Nov 15.
- Background: PubMed 38417767Hills AP, Jayasinghe S, Arena R, Byrne NM. Global status of cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity - Are we improving or getting worse? Prog Cardiovasc Dis. 2024 Mar-Apr;83:16-22. doi: 10.1016/j.pcad.2024.02.008. Epub 2024 Feb 27.
- Background: PubMed 38791849Sloan RA. Estimated Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Metabolic Risks. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2024 May 16;21(5):635. doi: 10.3390/ijerph21050635.
- Background: PubMed 33958319Dourado VZ, Nishiaka RK, Simoes MSMP, Lauria VT, Tanni SE, Godoy I, Gagliardi ART, Romiti M, Arantes RL. Classification of cardiorespiratory fitness using the six-minute walk test in adults: Comparison with cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Pulmonology. 2021 Nov-Dec;27(6):500-508. doi: 10.1016/j.pulmoe.2021.03.006. Epub 2021 May 4.
- Background: PubMed 38001416Liu Y, Zhu J, Guo Z, Yu J, Zhang X, Ge H, Zhu Y. Estimated cardiorespiratory fitness and incident risk of cardiovascular disease in China. BMC Public Health. 2023 Nov 24;23(1):2338. doi: 10.1186/s12889-023-16864-5.
- Background: PubMed 38599681Lang JJ, Prince SA, Merucci K, Cadenas-Sanchez C, Chaput JP, Fraser BJ, Manyanga T, McGrath R, Ortega FB, Singh B, Tomkinson GR. Cardiorespiratory fitness is a strong and consistent predictor of morbidity and mortality among adults: an overview of meta-analyses representing over 20.9 million observations from 199 unique cohort studies. Br J Sports Med. 2024 May 2;58(10):556-566. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2023-107849.
- Related InfoLink provided by the sponsor.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Healthy Adults, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 7 inclusion and 1 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: enrolling by invitation, as of the sponsor's last update on 10 Dec 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Queen's college step test (time frame: one time point). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07275619, which also lists 9 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 10 Dec 2025.