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Updated: Jul 11, 2026
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Published on: August 23, 2017
A treadmill control protocol combining nonlinear, equally smooth increases in speed and gradient: exercise testing
L P Jamieson1, K J Hunt, D B Allan
1Centre for Rehabilitation Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Glasgow, and Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit, Southern General Hospital, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom. l.jamieson@eng.gla.ac.uk
A new treadmill protocol (B) with nonlinear increases in speed and gradient offers improved oxygen uptake linearity and lower initial metabolic rates compared to traditional methods. This protocol is comparable to existing methods and beneficial for individuals with impaired gait patterns.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Cardiopulmonary Function
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Incremental exercise testing (IET) is standard for clinical assessments.
- Existing protocols have limitations, particularly for individuals with impaired gait.
- A novel protocol (B) was developed to address these limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To theoretically develop and assess a novel treadmill protocol (B) with nonlinear increases in speed and gradient.
- To compare protocol B's outcomes with two established IET protocols (A and C).
- To evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of protocol B in a subject with incomplete spinal cord injury.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical development of a new treadmill control protocol (B).
- Determination of oxygen uptake response linearity, initial metabolic rate, and cardiopulmonary parameters (peak oxygen uptake, lactate threshold, dynamic O2 cost).
- Comparison of protocol B with protocols A (linear speed, nonlinear gradient) and C (constant speed, linear gradient).
Main Results:
- Protocol B demonstrated significantly lower initial metabolic rates (VO2) compared to protocol C.
- Protocol B exhibited higher oxygen uptake (VO2) response linearity than protocol C.
- No significant differences in key parameters were found between protocol B and protocol A, though both showed advantages over protocol C.
Conclusions:
- The novel protocol B is a viable alternative to existing IET methods, performing comparably to protocol A and superiorly to protocol C.
- Protocol B's gradual, nonlinear increases in speed and gradient make it particularly advantageous for testing individuals with impaired gait patterns.
- Further research should explore the broader clinical applicability of protocol B.
