Introduction

A variety of methods is available for assessing the integrated response to exercise. This chapter presents detailed methodologies for conducting exercise tests where knowledge of this response is important for fitness or risk assessment, diagnostic, prescriptive, or monitoring purposes. As illustrated in Chapter 1, XT is conveniently partitioned into two general disciplines: performance exercise testing (PXT) and clinical exercise testing (CXT). The PXT is typically performed on the well population, often as part of preventive strategies, for health promotion, and to provide guidance for fitness improvement or as a basis for training athletes. The CXT is usually reserved for individuals presenting with signs or symptoms of illness or disease. In both PXT and CXT, the setting for the XT may be in the field or laboratory. The choice of a field or laboratory assessment depends upon the purpose of the test, the need for density, precision, and accuracy of the response variables, and the available instrumentation and personnel. Lastly, the protocol for field or laboratory tests describes how the test is conducted. Table 3.1 identifies several potential purposes within the two PXT and CXT disciplines along with possible settings and protocols. Clearly, some protocols will serve multiple purposes. For example, a maximal cycle ergometer test without arterial blood sampling may be appropriate for PXT fitness assessments, exercise prescription, progress monitoring, or CXT diagnostic exercise assessments, risk assessments, or in monitoring the progress of a patient undergoing rehabilitation.