CPET

Question 1

What is the cardiopulmonary exercise test?

Answer 1

The combination of a standard exercise tolerance test

(ETT) with measurement of respiratory gas exchange via use of a metabolic cart.

Question 2

Describe the v-slope method of assessing the anaerobic threshold from CPET results.

Answer 2

In the V-slope method, the VCO2 (volume of CO2
produced and exhaled during exercise) is plotted
against VO2 (volume of O2 used)

• The AT is the point where the slope of the
relationship between VCO2 and VO2 becomes
steeper than 1.0 (Wasserman et al., 2005).

• This represents the time when the rate of increase
in VCO2 exceeds the rate of increase of VO2
50-65% peak VO2 Influenced by genetic predisposition and chronic aerobic training

Question 3

what is a normal value in CPET

Answer 3

A normal value would be 20-30%.
• Alternative (simple) calculation
(BR) = MVV – VEmax (normal value >11 L)

Question 4

What is the calculation for MVV

Answer 4

(= 40 X FEV1) (unless MVV is given)

Question 5

How is the breathing reserve assessed and what is the implication of a lower than normal breathing reserve?

Answer 5

Normal peak breathing (respiratory)
frequency (fR or fB) <55/min except in athletes
and restrictive lung disease

• Normal peak exercise VT < 85-90% of resting
IC volume. Higher percentages occur with restrictive lung disease

Question 6

What does an abnormal O2 pulse progression during a CPET tell us about the possible cause of unexplained
dyspnoea?

Answer 6

O2 pulse measures stroke volume.

Abnormal results or trajectory I.E. early plateau indicates myochardial ischemia