The Bruce protocol is a well-established, multistage treadmill test used to evaluate health. It was introduced in 1963 by American cardiologist Robert A. Bruce (1916-2004). In its original form, the test involves the patient walking on a treadmill that gradually increases in incline, with electrodes attached to the chest to monitor the EKG. Every three minutes, both the speed and incline of the treadmill are elevated, encompassing seven stages in total. Only highly fit athletes typically manage to complete all seven stages. The modified Bruce protocol adjusts this by starting the treadmill at a flat angle, with the initial intervals only increasing the slope. This test can reveal signs of chest pain and discomfort, indicate a previous heart attack, and detect abnormalities in the heart's ventricles.
