Exercise testing using a cycle or treadmill: a review of various protocols

Abstract: In order to evaluate physical capacity it is neccesary to choose an appropriate method depending on the condition of the subject being tested and on the purpose of testing. A review has been carried out in order to present some of the protocols for evaluating exercise capacity which are in practical use. Twenty different test protocols for evaluating exercise capacity; 12 cycle protocols, six treadmill protocols and two protocols including both cycle and treadmill, are described in detail, as well as some of the physiological background of the tests. When testing subjects with reduced physical capacity, a protocol starting with a low work load and small increments is preferred. The test results can be reported as achieved oxygen uptake (V˙O2), metabolic equivalents (METs)or achieved work load (W). When testing healthy subjects and athletes, submaximal tests which estimate maximal oxygen uptake (V˙O2max) may be used. If high accuracy is required direct measurements of V˙O2 or V˙O2max are most reliable, regardless of which protocol is used.