Starts at 1.7 mph at a 10% gradient and progresses in stages every three minutes.
Stage IV involves running at approximately 4.2 mph at 16% gradient.
A Bruce exercise test involves walking on a treadmill while the heart is monitored by an electrocardiograph with various electrodes attached to the body.
Ventilation volumes and respiratory gas exchanges are also monitored, before, during and after exercise.
The treadmill speed and inclination can be adjusted.
It is a multistage test.
During a Bruce Protocol, heart rate and rating of perceived exertion are taken every minute and BP taken at the end of each stage, every three minutes.
Bruce Protocol Tables available for Maximal and Sub Maximal efforts:
Stage Minutes % grade MPH min/mile km/h min/km METS
1 3 10 1.7 35:18 2.7 22:13 3
2 3 12 2.5 24:00 4.0 15:00 4-5
3 3 14 3.4 17:39 5.5 10:55 7
4 3 16 4.2 14:17 6.8 8:49 10
5 3 18 5.0 12:00 8.0 7:30 14
6 3 20 5.5 10:55 8.9 6:44 17
7 3 22 6.0 10:00 9.7 6:11 21
Total Duration = 21 minutes
The test score is the time taken on the test, in minutes, and can be converted to an estimated VO2max.