Recommendations on the use of exercise testing in clinical practice [2]

Abstract

In summary, the mechanisms that underlie an increase in ventilation during daily living can be important for diagnosis and clinical management. They are investigated by what is appropriately described as respiratory exercise testing. This differs from cardio-respiratory exercise testing and clinical exercise testing in that the operators focus both mentally and practically on the respiratory consequences of lung diseases. The assessments should preferably be performed using a treadmill, not a cycle ergometer, and, for clinical purposes, be undertaken at the nearest convenient lung function laboratory. Neglect of these aspects detracts from the report of the Task Force: the recommendations should be updated further. Copyright © ERS Journals Ltd 2007.