Acute Cardiovascular Responses to the Harvard Step Test: Effects on Blood Pressure, Heart Rate, And Rate–Pressure Product in Apparently Healthy Adults

Background: Submaximal exercise tests are widely used to assess cardiovascular function and autonomic regulation in apparently healthy individuals. The Harvard Step Test (HST) is a simple and standardized protocol that provides insight into cardiovascular adaptability to physical stress. Key hemodynamic parameters such as blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and rate–pressure product (RPP)—an index of myocardial oxygen demand—serve as important indicators of cardiac workload (Gobel et al., 1978; Kenney et al., 2019). Objective: This study evaluated the acute effects of the Harvard Step Test on systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate, and rate–pressure product in apparently healthy adults. Methods: Twenty-four (n = 24) apparently healthy male participants were recruited. Baseline SBP, DBP, and HR were measured at rest. Participants performed the HST using standard procedures (Brouha et al., 1943). Post-exercise measurements were recorded immediately and during recovery. RPP was calculated as SBP × HR. Data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Paired t-tests and repeated-measures ANOVA were used for comparisons, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The HST elicited significant increases in HR, SBP, and RPP (p < 0.05), indicating increased cardiovascular demand and myocardial workload. DBP showed no significant change (p > 0.05). The elevated RPP suggests increased myocardial oxygen consumption during submaximal exercise. Conclusion: The HST produces significant acute cardiovascular responses, particularly in HR, SBP, and myocardial workload, while DBP remains relatively stable. These findings support its utility as a simple, reliable tool for cardiovascular assessment.