Bruce protocol

The Bruce protocol is a standardized <a href="/facts/Cardiology_diagnostic_tests_and_procedures/g2FDw3of">diagnostic test</a> used in the evaluation of <a href="/facts/Heart/fF4KSGdk">cardiac</a> function and <a href="/facts/Physical_fitness/eSnf5IJ1">physical fitness</a>, developed by American cardiologist <a href="/facts/Robert_A._Bruce/D66lCUqK">Robert A. Bruce</a>.
According to the original Bruce protocol the patient walks on an uphill treadmill in a graded exercise test with electrodes on the chest to monitor. Every 3 min the speed & incline of the treadmill are increased. There are 7 such stages and only very fit athletes can complete all 7 stages. The modified Bruce Protocol is an alteration in the protocol so that the treadmill is initially horizontal rather than uphill, with the 1st few intervals increasing the treadmill slope only.
The Bruce treadmill test estimates <a href="/facts/VO2_max/5eCkeysG">maximum oxygen uptake</a> using a formula and the performance of the subject on a treadmill as the workload is increased. The test is easy to perform in a medical office setting, does not require extensive training or expensive equipment, and it has been validated as a strong predictor of clinical outcomes.

Bruce protocol open-in-new

Bruce protocol