Which test is used to measure cardiorespiratory endurance?

• A. One-mile run
• B. Push-up test
• C. 3-minute step test
• D. Sit-and-reach test

Answer: (C)

Cardiorespiratory endurance is the body's ability to sustain aerobic activity by efficiently supplying oxygen to the muscles through the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. The three-minute step test targets this ability directly by using a short, standardized aerobic effort to stress the cardiovascular system, then looking at how quickly the heart rate returns to baseline. After stepping at a steady pace for three minutes, the recovery heart rate reflects how effectively the heart and lungs can support activity and recover, which is a core indicator of aerobic fitness. This makes the test a practical, quick measure of cardiorespiratory endurance in many settings.

The other tests assess different things. A sit-and-reach test measures flexibility, a push-up test gauges muscular endurance of the upper body, and a one-mile run evaluates endurance over a longer continuous effort, which can be influenced by running technique and pacing. The three-minute step test specifically emphasizes the heart–lung system's efficiency and recovery in a brief, controlled protocol.