The Standard Bruce exercise test protocol requires a change in speed and grade every 3 minutes. The incremental increases of work are 2-3 Metabolic Workloads (METs) greater for each stage.

The test begins with a 10% incline/grade and 1.7mph pace.

After 3 minutes, the grade increases to 12% and the speed to 2.5mph.  The workloads increase every 3 minutes unless arrhythmias or symptoms preclude continuance or until one reaches a predetermined endpoint such as Target Heart Rate or Stage Goal.

Stage 1
1.7mph
10%grade

Stage 2
2.5mph
12%grade

Stage 3
3.4mph
14%grade

Stage 4
4.2mph
16%grade

Stage 5
5.0mph
18%grade

Stage 6
5.5mph
20%grade

Stage 7
6.0mph
22%grade

The Modified Bruce protocol starts at a lower workload than the Standard Bruce, and is typically used for patients who are deconditioned and/or post MI, whose history suggests symptoms at a low workload, and for elderly or sedentary patients who may not be able to keep pace with the faster  Standard Bruce protocol.

Stages 1 and 2 of the Modified Bruce are performed at 2.9 and 3.7 METS and the third Stage corresponds to the first Stage of the Bruce protocol. Thus, the person who does 9 minutes in the Modified protocol does the same workload as 3 minutes on the Bruce; 12 minutes on the Modified is the same as 6 minutes on the Standard Bruce.

If you are conditioning for the FAA’s stress test

see: tmst.htm

 

 

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