Cardiopulmonary sub-maximal and VO2 Fitness
Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is an exceptional tool for assessing the overall functionality of both cardiac and pulmonary systems, without being invasive. Sub-maximal CPET for health has mortality predictiveness and can be used for pre- and post-operative assessments outside of the specialised cardiac area.
CPET is great for tracking long-term health gains
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Do Questionnaires Detect Physical Fitness ?
Measuring exercise capacity and tolerance: This may have already occurred by a cardiologist as CPET is used to evaluate exercise intolerance, which can be a symptom in advance of various cardiopulmonary diseases.We are able to offer continued monitoring of the prescribed Heart Rate Reserve capacity and exercise tolerance (including monitored BP)of an individual, using wearable ECG. This provides a safer pair of hands than Physiotherapy led monitoring for example increasing intervention success.
Risk stratification: We know in general CPET can help in risk stratification, aiding in predicting outcomes and planning treatments.
Utility in clinical practice: CPET is a valuable tool in clinical practice for assessing patients with uncovering cardiopulmonary conditions and suggesting specialist help along with tailoring exercise prescriptions.
The analyses presented in the above graph suggest that cardio-respiratory fitness and physical activity have significantly different relationships to combined CVD and CHD risk. The reductions in relative risk are nearly twice as great for cardiorespiratory fitness than physical activity. - Blair, S. N., & Jackson, A. S. (2001). Physical fitness and activity as separate heart disease risk factors: a meta-analysis. Med Sci Sports Exerc, 33(5), 762-764.
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CPET
Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (also known as cardiopulmonary or CPET) refers to equipment and procedures that measure the function and performance of the heart and lungs during physical activity. This test is linked to health and longevity.
It is an exceptional non-invasive tool for assessing the overall functionality of both cardiac and pulmonary systems. We offer it privately or in association with Lincoln University Sport and Exercise Science Laboratory.
Patient comfort is our top priority carrying out the test carefully and conservatively to ensure wellbeing.
Exercise testing: Our CPET typically involves walking or cycling on a treadmill or ergometer for 3 stages using sub maximal protocols . The intensity of exercise is mild to moderate and incrementally increased to assess how the body responds.
Typical Test Protocols It's particularly valuable in diagnosing and managing conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), coronary artery disease, chronic heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and interstitial lung disease.
Cardiorespiratory testing on a Corival exercise bike.
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What is the Goal of CPET ?
To provide valuable information about the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems during exercise. It can help identify the presence and severity of various diseases or conditions. For example, heart failure, COPD, asthma, and other respiratory or cardiovascular disorders. CPET can also help determine a patient’s fitness level and develop individualized exercise programs.
The data gathered from CPET is used to guide treatment decisions, monitor disease progression, and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.
For example in the famous Hambreact el al., (1993) study - patients with stable coronary artery disease willing to devote their leisure time partly to “prescribed” physical exercise were rewarded with an upward shift of their anaerobic threshold during sub-maximal exercise . To achieve this goal, it was determined a minimum of 1,400 kcal/week must be expended; exercise performed at lower intensity levels, but most rehabilitation programs, failed to change the position of patient anaerobic threshold. - This is likely because they go unmonitored.
Did you know about: Pre-operative CPET Assessment
For patients scheduled for high-risk surgeries, CPET particularly sub-maximal can be used to evaluate stroke and other complication risks. It also helps predict post-operative risks and complications, thus aiding in surgical planning and patient counselling.
What is cardio pulmonary testing ?
Cardio pulmonary testing (CPET) is a type of medical test that evaluates how well the heart and lungs are working together during exercise. CPET is a non-invasive test that is often used to diagnose and evaluate the severity of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Also, to determine the fitness level of athletes. During a CPET, a patient will typically perform incremental exercise on a stationary bike or treadmill while connected to various sensors that measure heart rate, oxygen uptake, carbon dioxide output, and other physiological parameters. The results of a CPET can provide valuable information about a patient’s cardiovascular and respiratory function, as well as their overall health and fitness.
Why Is It Useful ?
The testing also allows us to make informed decisions and deliver tailored care to each patient. The additional hardware and software we utilise documents all relevant physiological data, including electrocardiography (ECG), heart rate (BPM), blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), speed, inclination, revolutions per minute (RPM), and load, providing individual reports for monitoring and assessing a patients’ progress and changes in cardio respiratory fitness.
Rehabilitation and Pre-reabilitation
Rehabilitation is a familiar term used in medical settings to describe the process of helping individuals recover. Recovery from physical, mental, or cognitive abilities after an injury, illness, or surgery and may involve physical therapy to restore movement and mobility. Scientific research also shows that a physically fit patient demonstrates increased resilience during critical events such as surgery or illness. Proper exercise prescription is essential for physical fitness, especially for vulnerable patients who need guidance, as such pre-rehabilitation can occur before a significant medical event such as surgery to increase successful outcomes.