Assessing Your Cardiovascular Fitness: The Treadmill Test

What is a treadmill test?
A treadmill test is also known as an exercise tolerance test (ETT). This test is designed to determine how well your body, and in particular your heart, can handle the stress of exercise. The test consists of the research participant walking, jogging or running on a treadmill for as long as he or she can. Once the participant feels he or she cannot continue, the treadmill is stopped and the test is over.

What does a treadmill test measure?
This test measures a ratio between the amount of oxygen you inhale and the amount of carbon dioxide you exhale. This ratio tells us how efficiently your body is using oxygen for a fuel, which ultimately gives us a gauge of how fit you are. During this test an electrocardiogram (ECG) machine is used to monitor your heart. A research professional will attach eight electrode pads to various locations on your chest. The electrodes will be attached to the ECG machine. The ECG machine, which shows your heart's activity, is used primarily by our cardiac nurse who will check the initial health of the your heart as well as constantly monitor your heart during the test.

What if I can't do this test?
Since many people aren't familiar with walking on treadmills, there will be time before the test begins for you to get familiar with the treadmill so you will be used to walking on it by the time the test starts. It is also very important to note that you have total control over the test. If at any point during the test you feel dizzy, nauseous, light-headed, experience chest pain, or simply feel you can't go any further, the test will stop immediately.

How can I prepare for a treadmill test?
You can prepare for a treadmill test by walking on a treadmill in a fitness facility or in your home. This test is very simple and anyone can finish it with great success so there should be no need to worry. If you have any concerns, please discuss them with one of the research professionals at RLI.

What should I wear for the treadmill test?
Please wear comfortable shorts, a loose fitting short sleeve T-shirt or tank top and comfortable walking shoes appropriate for exercise with socks. Women are encouraged to wear properly fitted sports bras for the test.