3.9.5 Demonstrating How to Walk on a Treadmill
After the blood pressure measurement is captured, you should give a brief demonstration ofhow to walk on a treadmill. The SP should be asked to step off the treadmill and stand to one side. Start
the treadmill belt by pressing Start Belt on the treadmill controller, increase the speed to 2. 0 mph and
begin a brief demonstration of how to walk on the treadmill. You should hold onto the handrails, straddle
the belt, and then gently “paw” the belt with one foot to get a feel for the movement, then step onto the
belt and start walking slowly. The demonstration and explanation should include importance of standing
up straight, taking long steps, relaxing, holding the head up and looking forward. You should demonstrate
removing one hand at a time from the handrail and then walk comfortably on the belt. After this brief
demonstration, step off the belt and press Stop Belt on the treadmill controller. Press Clear on the
treadmill controller to reset the protocol.
After the data are captured and the demonstration is completed, press the ‘Next’ button onthe ISIS screen to advance to the Treadmill Test screen.
When the Treadmill Test screen comes up, the system displays and gives this auditory
message:Choose exercise protocol on treadmill controller. Have SP straddle the belt, then
press START BELT. Select the predetermined protocol on the treadmill controller (the middle protocol on
the ISIS screen). Get the SP to straddle the belt. Press START BELT on the treadmill controller. Increase the speed to 2 MPH. When you have completed this, click OK. Have the SP step on the treadmill and begin to walk. Tell him or her to use an upright posture and look straight ahead. If the SP is holding onto the handrail, tell the SP to drop one arm down by his or her
side, then the other one. The SP should now be walking slowly on the treadmill and ready to begin the test.