Some years forward, a breakthrough in research led to the electric treadmill as we know it today. A creative doctor from the University of Washington named Dr. Robert Bruce utilized the basic concept of the treadmill to test human cardiovascular behaviours in order to aid in the diagnosis of heart and lung problems. As such, humans were made to tread on the machine to test their hearts’ functions under different stress levels. It was not a sophisticated machine but nonetheless, it got the job done. In addition, electrocardiographs were used in these tests in order to precisely monitor heart beats.

Such breakthrough became public and attracted the attention of many enterprising minds. That is, business then had the sudden idea of creating a treadmill as means to exercise thereby aiding in the overall health of the user or even boost their enthusiasm in their quest for a quick weight loss exercise regimen. Various businesses then brainstormed for various designs which they hope would be appealing. One of the pioneers in treadmill design is actually a bicycle company called Tunturi which is based in Finland. In the late 1960’s, it then showcased its own designs which appealed to many individuals then. Not to be outdone, an American company called Aerobics, Inc. then showcased its own line of treadmills in 1968. As the public became endeared to the innovative product, competition among the manufacturers has become fierce. Even during those times, it has become apparent that electric treadmills are more favored over the simple manual mechanical treadmills. Just a few years forward, many big business names have already started to join the bandwagon called the treadmill mania with some offering their cheapest treadmills to the consumer.

Fast forward to the recent years, Nordictrac and Startrac, which are among the big names in the fitness equipment arena, have introduced their own lines of products which led to numerous styles and designs which delighted the consumers. More functionality has been incorporated into modern day electric treadmills which made them more user friendly.