TREADMILL AND CYCLE ERGOMETER OPERATION

TREADMILL

Ensure familiarity with control panel, stop button, power source, and location with emergency equipment.
Ensure that treadmill belt is clear of all people and things before starting machine.
Ensure that people around treadmill do not have dangling jeweler or clothing around machine.
Ensure that immediate area around, to the side and back of the treadmill, is clear of objects.
Ensure that power cord is set in such a way that it will not get pinch or press on by treadmill during operation.
Check that control panel is cleared and there are no error lights or warnings present.
Start treadmill ensuring that belt is at slow speed (1.5 to 1.7 mph) and angle is set to zero grade.
Check belt for proper condition (unusual damage or wear) and operation (tracking straight on the rollers).

Before any treadmill operation, subject should be briefed on operation and procedures to be followed during its use!!!
Observe subject to ensure proper clothing/shoes for activity!!!
Allow subject to observe treadmill operation.
Demonstrate scooter action for getting feel of belt speed.
Orient subject as to the location to step on and off treadmill.
Allow subject to practice stepping on and off.
As treadmill moves up in grade inform subject of height difference to floor.
Encourage subject to use handrails until comfortable but asking them to work toward eventual none handrail use
Always notify subject of a speed or grade change.
Monitor subject on a regular basis, ensuring that they are capable of continuing.
Encourage subject in their exercise when appropriate.
In maximal efforts with subject in latter stages of fatigue position self slightly behind and to side of subject monitoring for staggering or falling. Feet positioned slightly staggered along side the treadmill frame, legs moderately flexed and arms prepared to help move subject off treadmill. Do not lean over the treadmill, but rather help move subject off belt with a pulling and setting down action.
In maximal testing a second person should be present to help assist with monitoring and implementing the test.
If a subject, larger than the tester can safely assist off the treadmill, then a second assistant should be present to help.

Ensure that belt speed and grade are returned to zero.
Ensure feet and objects are out of the way when lowering treadmill from grades greater than zero.
Turn off treadmill and if appropriate unplug power source.
Wipe sweat off treadmill surfaces with damp cloth.
Pick-up miscellaneous equipment and supplies.

Equipment check is similar to the treadmill - ensure that equipment is in good operating condition.
Ensure that the subject is proper dressed, shoes included.
Ensure subject understands procedures.
Ensure that force scale is calibrated.
Ensure that seat is properly positioned for subject (approx. 25 degrees of complete extension of knee)