1. What is the Bruce Protocol?

The Bruce Protocol is a standardized treadmill test used to assess cardiovascular health and exercise capacity. It consists of multiple stages with increasing speed and incline every 3 minutes. The METs (Metabolic Equivalents) value estimates exercise intensity.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Bruce Protocol METs equation:

Where:

• \( T \) — Total exercise time in minutes

Explanation: The equation provides an estimate of exercise intensity based on how long a patient can continue the Bruce Protocol treadmill test.

3. Importance of METs Calculation

Details: METs values help assess cardiovascular fitness, guide exercise prescriptions, and evaluate prognosis in cardiac patients. Higher METs values indicate better fitness.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the total exercise time in minutes (typically in 3-minute increments corresponding to Bruce Protocol stages). Time must be greater than 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are typical METs values for Bruce Protocol stages?
A: Stage 1 (3 min): ~5 METs, Stage 2 (6 min): ~7 METs, Stage 3 (9 min): ~10 METs, Stage 4 (12 min): ~13 METs.

Q2: What is a good METs score?
A: Generally, >10 METs is excellent for men, >8 for women. Below 5 METs indicates poor fitness.

Q3: How accurate is this equation?
A: It provides a good estimate for most individuals, but actual METs may vary based on individual physiology.

Q4: Can this be used for non-Bruce Protocol tests?
A: No, this equation is specific to the Bruce Protocol treadmill test.

Q5: What factors affect METs values?
A: Age, gender, fitness level, body composition, and cardiovascular health all influence METs capacity.