Laboratory measurement of treadmill noise under several speeds, runners, and floor coverings

Treadmills are an important generator of noise in the retail fitness and multi-family housing environments. Field studies have demonstrated that treadmills have a low-frequency sound characteristic, and treadmill use can lead to neighboring-occupant annoyance and necessitate consideration in building design and space planning. This work presents sound level measurements of a treadmill in operation to report sound levels and the effect of runner speed, runner cadence, and floor covering. Tests were conducted on an elevated 6-inch concrete slab in a vertical laboratory setting, and results are in terms of measured SPL in the lower room. Runner speed and floor covering were confirmed to be relevant variables in sound levels due to treadmill noise. Spectral shapes in multiple tests were found to be similar despite presence and composition of floor covering. Results on the effect of runner cadence are not conclusive. SPL was lower than expected due to the relatively stiff structural floor, and future testing should continue to pursue higher source levels.