Introduction: In standardized exercise protocols such as Bruce protocol, changes in speed and inclination are fixed and does not consider factors like weight, age, running experience of the subject and environmental factors. This could lead to work rates that are too demanding especially for majority of the Indian population who are sedentary and not accustomed to running or treadmill exercises. The aim of our study was to assess the utility of 15W/minute incremental ramp treadmill protocol for cardio-pulmonary exercise testing in Indian population

Methods:  We customized a 15 W/min incremental ramp protocol where speed and inclination were adjusted after accounting for the weight of the subject. Validation and efficacy of this protocol was done by evaluating the changes in cardio-vascular parameters with those obtained with Bruce protocol.10 healthy male volunteers (26±3.6yrs) performed 15 W/min incremental ramp protocol and Bruce treadmill protocol in a randomized manner.

Results: Duration of exercise for 15 W/min incremental ramp protocol (11.33±1.296 vs 8.36±1.606) was significantly more than Bruce protocol. Respiratory quotient (RQ) (1.135±0.068 vs 1.353±0.157) and End-tidal tensions of oxygen (PETO2) (106.3±4.033 vs 111.3±1.751) were significantly lesser than  Bruce protocol. But no significant difference was noted for other cardiovascular and respiratory parameters.

Conclusion: 15W/minute incremental ramp protocol in treadmill could be used instead of Bruce protocol to perform cardio-pulmonary exercise testing to measure physiological changes in cardiovascular and respiratory parameters in Indian population.