What does the Bruce Protocol primarily consist of?

The Bruce Protocol primarily consists of a treadmill test that features incremental increases in both speed and grade. This type of testing is designed to assess cardiovascular fitness and exercise capacity in individuals. The protocol typically initiates with a set walking speed at a slight incline, and with each stage, the speed and grade of the treadmill are increased at specified intervals. This allows for a progressive challenge to the individual as they continue, ultimately helping to determine their maximal exercise capacity and cardiovascular response to increased workloads.

This method is widely used in clinical and fitness settings, not only because it effectively challenges the cardiovascular system but also because it has established norms and reliability in measuring exercise performance. The Bruce Protocol's structured approach allows for standardized results that can be compared across different populations and studies.