Bruce Protocol VO2
Treadmill Stress Test
Estimate VO2 max and METs from total time on a Bruce Protocol treadmill stress test using validated regressions.
Bruce Protocol VO2 Max Calculator
Estimate your aerobic capacity from a Bruce Protocol treadmill test using validated regression equations.
About the Bruce Protocol
The Bruce Protocol is one of the most widely used treadmill stress tests in clinical cardiology. It is used to evaluate cardiovascular fitness, screen for ischemic heart disease, and provide prognostic information. Total exercise time correlates strongly with VO2 max and is itself a powerful predictor of mortality risk.
Estimating VO2 Max
Foster equation (men): VO2 max = 14.76 − 1.379 × T + 0.451 × T² − 0.012 × T³ (where T = time in minutes). Pollock equation (women): VO2 max = 4.38 × T − 3.9. Both produce ml/kg/min. METs are simply VO2 max ÷ 3.5.
Test Stages
Stage 1: 1.7 mph @ 10% grade. Stage 2: 2.5 mph @ 12%. Stage 3: 3.4 mph @ 14%. Stage 4: 4.2 mph @ 16%. Stage 5: 5.0 mph @ 18%. Stage 6: 5.5 mph @ 20%. Stage 7: 6.0 mph @ 22%. Each stage lasts exactly 3 minutes.
Formula
Medical Disclaimer
A maximal-effort treadmill test carries cardiovascular risk and should only be performed under appropriate medical supervision. This calculator estimates VO2 max from a time you provide; it is not a substitute for clinical exercise testing.