Exercise Testing Overview

A type of exercise testing that uses a less strenuous approach than maximal testing, often done in clinical settings.

Measure of how hard someone feels they are working during exercise - usually assessed using the Borg Scale.

A scale used to measure RPE, ranging from 6 to 20, originally designed to correlate with heart rate.

A modified version of the Borg Scale, using a 0-10 scale, designed for easier use and understanding.

A type of exercise testing used to diagnose potential cardiovascular or pulmonary issues.

The evaluation of the cardiovascular and ventilatory systems' responses to controlled exercise stress.

The maximum amount of oxygen that your body can utilize during peak exercise.

The ability to move oxygen from the air to the blood and carbon dioxide from the blood to the air.

Delivering oxygen to the tiny air sacs in your lungs (alveoli) and removing carbon dioxide.

The amount of oxygen your tissues use per minute.

The process of moving oxygenated blood from the heart to the muscles and returning carbon dioxide to the lungs.

The process of cells using oxygen to create energy (ATP).

The equation that calculates VO2 max using cardiac output, arterial oxygen content, and mixed venous oxygen content.

A test that measures heart and lung function during exercise, pushing the patient to their maximum capacity.

The highest level of oxygen uptake achieved during an exercise test.

An exercise test that is designed to take you as close as possible to your maximum effort.

A test where your effort is limited to a specific level, often less intense.

A test where the patient reaches their maximum effort and may experience symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath.

The ratio of carbon dioxide output to oxygen consumption (VCO2 / VO2). It reflects the balance between fat and carbohydrate metabolism during exercise.

The amount of blood ejected from the heart with each heartbeat.

The pressure in the blood vessels during the contraction of the heart.

The pressure in the blood vessels during the relaxation of the heart.

The volume of air inhaled or exhaled in a single breath.

A point during exercise where the body starts relying more heavily on carbohydrates for fuel.

The capacity of the lungs after a maximal inhalation.

A test that measures various physiological responses to exercise. It helps assess cardiovascular fitness, risk factors, and exercise tolerance.

A test used to assess the heart's ability to function during exercise, often to determine prognosis in heart failure patients or to stratify patients for transplantation.

A measurement of the maximum volume of oxygen the body can consume during exercise, expressed in milliliters per kilogram of body weight per minute.

The maximum amount of air that can be forcibly exhaled after a full inspiration, measured in liters.

A stress test that simulates exercise by using medication to increase heart rate and blood flow, often used in patients unable to exercise physically.

A stress test involving radioactive dye and imaging to evaluate blood flow to the heart both at rest and during stress.

A measure of how efficiently the body utilizes oxygen during exercise, calculated by dividing the amount of oxygen consumed (VO2) by the volume of air breathed (VT).

A measurement of blood acidity, indicating the balance of acids and bases in the blood.

A measure of the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the blood, reflecting how effectively the lungs exhale carbon dioxide.

A cardiac test that uses a radioactive dye to show blood flow during rest and exercise.

A self-paced walking test measuring the distance covered in six minutes.

The difference in distance covered during 6MWT before and after a rehabilitation program.

The percentage change in 6MWT distance, calculated as (post-program distance - pre-program distance) / pre-program distance x 100.

An externally paced walking test where you walk between two markers at increasing speeds until you reach a stop criterion.

A test that measures how quickly you can stand up from a seated position.

A ceiling effect occurs when a test is too easy for a patient, making it difficult to measure further improvements.

A measure of perceived exertion based on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is no exertion and 10 is maximal exertion.