Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 23, 2026
Author Spotlight: Exercise Test for Evaluation of the Functional Efficacy of the Pig Cardiovascular System
Published on: May 12, 2023
Feasibility and safety of exercise stress testing using an anti-gravity treadmill with Tc-99m tetrofosmin
Patrick Daly1, Regina Kayse2, Steven Rudick2
1Division of Cardiovascular Health and Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, 231 Albert Sabin Way, MLC 0542, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA. dalypk@ucmail.uc.edu.
Background:
Exercise is the AHA/ACC guideline-recommended stress modality for myocardial perfusion imaging, but many patients are unable to exercise to target heart rate on a conventional treadmill. We examined the feasibility and safety of stress imaging using an anti-gravity treadmill in patients with perceived poor exercise capacity.
Methods And Results:
49 patients were recruited for stress testing by anti-gravity treadmill (n = 29) or to a regadenoson control group (n = 20). Seventeen anti-gravity test patients (59%) reached target heart rate obviating the need for a pharmacologic stress agent. Adverse effects of the anti-gravity treadmill were limited to minor muscle aches in 5 subjects. Stress myocardial perfusion image quality judged by 3 blinded readers on a 5-point scale was comparable for the anti-gravity treadmill (4.30 ± SD 0.87) vs pharmacologic stress (4.28 ± SD 0.66).
Conclusion:
Stress testing using an anti-gravity treadmill is feasible and may help some patients safely achieve target heart rate.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Exercise Stress Test
Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes
01:28Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT