BRUCE PROTOCOL
PST313
OGBONNA, Stephen 213561
OKI Kolade 213562
OLADEPO David 213564
OLAIYA Sunkanmi 213565
OLAJDE, Ayomide 213566
OLANREWAJU Timileyin 213567
OMOLUSI Olamide 213568
OYEBOLA Feranmi 213569
OYEKAN Oluwatobi 213570
POPOOLA Christianah 213571
YUSUF Oluwafemi 213572
SAMUEL Omotayo 220973
INTRODUCTION
❖ A standard treadmill test used to measure cardiovascular fitness
❖ Named after Dr. Robert A. Bruce, who first described the protocol in 1963
❖ It is considered the "gold standard" for exercise testing and is widely used in both
clinical and research settings
❖ It is a treadmill exercise test used to evaluate a person's cardiovascular fitness and to
assess the function of the heart and lungs
❖ The test is usually conducted under the supervision of a doctor or other healthcare
professional, and the individual's heart rate, blood pressure, and ECG
(electrocardiogram) are monitored throughout the test
 Uses ❖ To monitor the effects of
treatments such as exercise
training or medication
❖ The Bruce protocol can also be
❖ To evaluate cardiovascular fitness
used as a measure of functional
❖ To assess the function of the heart and
capacity in patients with chronic
lungs
obstructive pulmonary disease
❖ To diagnose cardiovascular diseases
(COPD), asthma, and other lung
such as hypertension, ischemic heart
diseases
disease, and heart failure
❖ It can also be used to monitor the
❖ To identify individuals at risk of
response to treatment in these
developing cardiovascular disease
patients
STAGES
❖ The Bruce protocol is an incremental treadmill test that starts with a slow
pace (1.7 mph) and a slight incline (10%) and gradually increases the
intensity over a series of stages
❖ Each stage lasts for 3 minutes and the incline and speed are increased at
regular intervals
❖ The test is usually conducted under the supervision of a doctor or other
healthcare professional and the individual's heart rate, blood pressure, and
ECG (electrocardiogram) are monitored throughout the test
STAGES CONT’D
❖ The test is stopped when the individual reaches 85% of their age-predicted
maximum heart rate, or when they reach a certain level of fatigue or
discomfort
❖ The Bruce protocol consists of a series of increasing stages, each lasting 3
minutes
❖ The test begins with the individual walking on the treadmill at a slow pace
(1.7 mph) with a slight incline (10%)
❖ The incline and speed are then increased at regular intervals, with each new
stage becoming progressively more challenging
 Stage 1: 1.7 mph at a 10% incline

Stage 2: 2.5 mph at a 12% incline

Stage 3: 3.4 mph at a 14% incline

The Bruce protocol Stage 4: 4.2 mph at a 16% incline
typically consists Stage 5: 5.0 mph at an 18% incline

of the following Stage 6: 5.5 mph at a 20% incline

stages: Stage 7: 6.0 mph at a 25% incline

It is also important to note that the Bruce protocol can be
modified to suit specific population, such as older adults,
women or patients with certain medical conditions
BRUCE
PROTOCOL
ADVANTAGES
❖ It is a standardized test - results can be easily compared across
individuals and populations
❖ The protocol is well-established and has been extensively validated,
which means that the results are reliable and accurate
❖ The test can provide valuable information about an individual's
cardiovascular fitness and risk of heart disease, which can be used to
guide treatment and lifestyle changes
❖ It can also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment for heart
disease, such as the impact of exercise training on cardiovascular fitness
❖ The test is relatively simple to administer and can be performed in most
fitness centers or clinicsIt provides a clear measure of cardiovascular
fitness
 DISADVANTAGES
❖ Requires expensive equipment, such as a treadmill, and trained personnel to
administer the test and interpret the results
❖ Can be physically demanding and may not be appropriate for individuals
with certain health conditions or disabilities
❖ May not accurately reflect an individual's fitness level if they are unable to
complete the full protocol due to fatigue or other factors
❖ May be less accurate in older individuals or those with chronic diseases,
who may not be able to achieve the high heart rates required by the
protocol
❖ Some people may find the test uncomfortable or stressful, which can
affect their results
❖ Not suitable for everyone, especially for people with certain medical
conditions such as unstable angina, aortic stenosis, or severe heart failure
❖ Not recommended for people who are not physically active
It is important to consult with a doctor before starting the test to ensure it is
appropriate for you and that you are able to perform it safely
Thank you