Key words: VO2 max, body mass index,
bruce protocol, exercise.
The participants were asked to complete a specific graded exercise treadmill test (
Bruce protocol) on a RAM 770 treadmill (Model 770 M, RAM Medical and Industrial Instruments and Supply, Padova, Italy).
Estimation of maximum oxygen utilization was done using motorized treadmill machine following the standard
Bruce Protocol as per proposed guidelines of the American Heart Association.
The
Bruce protocol increases speed and grade every 3 min.
The exercise test consisted of: 1) a 4-min rest period on the treadmill; 2) an incremental phase according to the
Bruce protocol (15), and 3) a 3-min recovery period.
Different protocols are available in the literature, such as the indirect
Bruce Protocol (BP), which is widely used in medical clinics, hospitals, and scientific investigations (7,8).
Deliva (2012) used the 6-minute walk test, dynamometry and goniometry, whilst Patel (2008) used the standard
Bruce protocol and dynamometry.
Both underwent a standard 2D echocardiographic Doppler examination and an ergometric treadmill test up to maximal tolerated effort according to a modified
Bruce protocol that provides a gradual increase in workload every 2 minutes.
The mental test consisted of giving a public address about a real-life stressful scenario, while the physical test was a treadmill exercise conducted in accordance with the
Bruce protocol.
The stages of ETT (
Bruce protocol) were also attained by walking and running on treadmill, in which at each advancing stage of exercise, the speed and slope w ere increased, and each patient was able to complete the test based on his/her own physical condition.
Exercise tolerance test was conducted by making the patient walk on a motor driven treadmill employing
Bruce protocol. The test was interpreted as positive or negative for myocardial ischaemia as per standard interpretation protocols with equivocal results interpreted as positive.
