Feasibility of ECG Screening and Bruce Treadmill Testing for Cardiovascular Assessment in Combat Athletes

Background: Practical cardiovascular assessment protocols are needed for combat athletes, particularly in settings where advanced laboratory equipment is unavailable. 

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of integrating resting electrocardiographic (ECG) The study successfully integrated resting electrocardiographic (ECG) assessments into the cardiovascular evaluation process for combat athletes. The present pilot study demonstrated the feasibility of integrating resting electrocardiography (ECG). The study demonstrated that screening with the Bruce treadmill protocol can serve as a standardised framework for cardiovascular assessment using the Bruce treadmill test. 

Methods: Competitive boxers, Taekwondo athletes, and Lethwei athletes underwent resting 12-lead ECG screening followed by symptom-limited Bruce treadmill testing. Resting HR, peak HR, HRR-1, blood pressure, exercise duration, and estimated METs were recorded. 

Results: The protocol was successfully implemented and allowed the standardised collection of cardiovascular measurements using equipment readily available in clinical settings. 

Conclusion: The integrated ECG–Bruce protocol represents a feasible and practical framework for cardiovascular assessment in combat athletes and provides a strong methodological basis for ongoing research.