cool-down period. By monitoring heart rate response to each of the 3-minute stages, VO 2 max can be
predicted with a reasonable degree of accuracy. It is important to note that while the heart rate will be
monitored during the treadmill test, there will be no electrocardiogram (ECG) on the screen. Therefore,
the NHANES submaximal treadmill test is intended only to estimate cardiovascular fitness levels. It
cannot be used to diagnose or identify any cardiovascular disease.
SPs will be carefully screened prior to the treadmill test using questionnaires andmeasurements of resting heart rate and resting blood pressure. High risk (symptomatic, with disease, etc.)
individuals will be excluded, so that only apparently healthy individuals will undergo treadmill testing.
The combination of screening, monitoring, and the submaximal nature of the test will all contribute to the
safety of this component.
1.2 Personnel
Maximizing safety and obtaining meaningful data are the two primary goals of thetechnologist with regard to the submaximal treadmill test. The demeanor of the treadmill technologist
should be one of relaxed confidence so as to immediately put the SP at ease. Although there are time
constraints to be aware of, treadmill testing procedures should not be rushed, and all procedures must be
clearly explained prior to initiating the process. Technologists are expected to pay close attention to the
data and the SP at all times, and also be sensitive to the confidentiality of the data. Knowledge of normal
vs. abnormal responses to exercise is essential, as well as knowing when a test should be terminated early.
Since the submaximal treadmill test is a fitness test (not a diagnostic test), and since technologists are not
licensed physicians, no diagnoses will be attempted or made by technologists at any time. Although
submaximal treadmill testing is very safe, all technologists must be CPR certified.
1.3 Integrated Survey Information System (ISIS)
The Integrated Survey Information System (ISIS) is a computer-based infrastructuredesigned to support all survey operations including sample management, data collection, data editing,
quality control, analysis, and delivery of NHANES data. Each component in NHANES such as
Cardiovascular (CV) Fitness has a computer application for direct data entry. Data collected in the CV
Fitness room of the mobile examination center is directly entered in the ISIS system computers. In