Fitness standards for male college students

The endurance fitness of 135 American male college students was evaluated by the maximal aerobic power test (bicycle ergometer), and the Harvard step test. Comparison of results with those previously reported indicated that our sample was representative of students in a number of countries. The following endurance fitness standards were therefore constructed: Aerobic power — less than 2.4 l/min or 34 ml/kg-min, poor; 2.4 to 2.9 l/min or 34 to 40 ml/kg-min, low average; 3.0 to 3.5 l/min or 41 to 48 ml/kg-min, average; 3.6 to 4.0 l/min or 49 to 55 ml/kg-min, good; greater than 4.0 l/min or 55 ml/kg-min, excellent: Harvard step test index — less than 54, poor; 64 to 67, low-average; 68 to 82, average; 83 to 96, good; greater than 96, excellent.Supported by Medical Sciences Branch, Research Division, Medical Research Branch, Office of the Surgeon General, U.S. Army, under contract No. DA-49-193-MD 2741.