Introduction: CPET in clinical practice. recent advances, current challenges and future directions

Abstract

This introductory chapter aims to answer three key questions germane to the uses of CPET in respiratory practice. 1) In the past 10 years, what have been the specific scenarios in which CPET has advanced the provision of clinical information valuable to decision making? 2) What are the current challenges facing clinical CPET interpretation? 3) What are the key gaps in knowledge that deserve special attention in the next 10 years in order to expand CPET application in clinical settings? Each of these pertinent questions is answered in the context of the main indications for CPET, i.e. investigation of exercise intolerance and dyspnoea, risk assessment, and outcome evaluation of therapeutic interventions.