The Godfrey protocol uses specific workload increments based on height. Which statement accurately states these increments per minute?

The Godfrey protocol uses specific workload increments based on height. Which statement accurately states these increments per minute?

• A. 10 W for <120 cm, 15 W for 120-150 cm, and 20 W for >150 cm per minute.
• B. 5 W steps for all heights.
• C. 20 W for all heights.
• D. 15 W for <120 cm, 10 W for 120-150 cm, and 25 W for >150 cm.

Answer: (A)

In this question we’re looking at how a pediatric exercise test scales workload to a child’s size so the test provides a steady, safe challenge. The Godfrey protocol adjusts the workload each minute based on height, not a single, uniform increase for everyone. The reason this works is that shorter children generally have lower absolute power output and oxygen uptake, so they need smaller jumps in workload to progress safely and reach fatigue in a reasonable test duration. Taller children can handle bigger increases, so the test progresses more quickly for them without becoming unrealistically hard too early. The correct statement reflects this height-based progression: for the smallest children (under 120 cm), the workload increases by 10 watts per minute; for those between 120 and 150 cm, it increases by 15 watts per minute; and for the tallest group (over 150 cm), it increases by 20 watts per minute. This keeps the test duration appropriate across all sizes and preserves the integrity of comparing physiological responses. Other options fail because they apply the same increment regardless of height or mix increments in a way that doesn’t align with how the protocol is designed to tailor stress to body size.

In this question we’re looking at how a pediatric exercise test scales workload to a child’s size so the test provides a steady, safe challenge. The Godfrey protocol adjusts the workload each minute based on height, not a single, uniform increase for everyone. The reason this works is that shorter children generally have lower absolute power output and oxygen uptake, so they need smaller jumps in workload to progress safely and reach fatigue in a reasonable test duration. Taller children can handle bigger increases, so the test progresses more quickly for them without becoming unrealistically hard too early.

The correct statement reflects this height-based progression: for the smallest children (under 120 cm), the workload increases by 10 watts per minute; for those between 120 and 150 cm, it increases by 15 watts per minute; and for the tallest group (over 150 cm), it increases by 20 watts per minute. This keeps the test duration appropriate across all sizes and preserves the integrity of comparing physiological responses.

Other options fail because they apply the same increment regardless of height or mix increments in a way that doesn’t align with how the protocol is designed to tailor stress to body size.