What are P1, P2 and P3?

P1 is resting pulse, P2 is pulse immediately after 30 squats and P3 is pulse after one minute of recovery, each counted for 15 seconds.

Is a lower Ruffier score better?

Yes. Lower scores usually indicate faster cardiovascular recovery after the squat effort.

Is Ruffier-Dickson the same test?

It uses the same pulse readings but applies a different index formula.

Ruffier Test Calculator

Calculate Ruffier and Ruffier-Dickson index from 15-second pulse counts before squats, after squats and after one minute of recovery.

P1 - resting pulse for 15 sec

Sit quietly for 5 minutes, then count pulse for 15 seconds.

P2 - immediately after 30 squats for 15 sec

Do 30 squats in 30-45 seconds, then measure immediately.

P3 - after 1 minute of rest for 15 sec

Sit and rest for 1 minute, then count for 15 seconds.

Ruffier Index

5.6

Satisfactory

Ruffier-Dickson Index

5.8

Satisfactory

1-minute recovery

67%

of pulse rise recovered

Scale position

Average response. Regular aerobic training may improve the score.

Heart-rate recovery

The closer P3 is to P1, the faster heart rate returned toward baseline. The score depends on protocol, readiness and measurement accuracy.

Interpretation

Index	Level	Comment
< 0	Athletic	Often seen in endurance-trained athletes
0-5	Good	Regular aerobic training profile
5-10	Satisfactory	Average response for a healthy adult
10-15	Weak	Heart rate recovers slowly after the effort
>= 15	Poor	Repeat the protocol correctly; seek medical advice if symptoms appear

Calculate a Ruffier test score

Ruffier-test intent is niche but clear: users need a calculator for P1, P2 and P3 pulse counts from the squat protocol, plus a plain interpretation of recovery.

R u f f i er = \frac{( P _{1} + P _{2} + P _{3} ) \times 4 - 200}{10}

P values are 15-second pulse counts.

Read the result carefully

The Ruffier test is not a diagnosis. Avoid the squat protocol if exercise is unsafe for you or symptoms are present.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources and References

Calculations are based on the listed reference sources. Links open in a new tab.

Updated: June 2, 2026

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