EXERCISE TESTING

VO2max, or the maximum rate of oxygen consumption refers to the maximum amount of oxygen that an individual can utilize during maximal exercise. This measurement is considered to be the best indicator of cardiovascular fitness and aerobic endurance. By using a mouthpiece and nose clip to capture your expired air, we directly measure volume and gas concentrations.  The test involves either exercising on a treadmill or a bike at an intensity that increases every minute until exhaustion, and is designed to achieve a maximal effort in 8-12 minutes. Your heart rate, workload, and ventilatory thresholds measured during the test will help you monitor exercise intensity during your workouts and help guide your training and improve your fitness. A full report with all of your data will be provided, along with exercise recommendations, if requested.

Lactate threshold testing is useful for determining exercise intensity for training and racing in endurance sports. The test involves exercising on a treadmill or a bike that increases in intensity every 3-8 minutes until exhaustion. This test lasts longer than the 8-12 min for a standard VO2max test, taking 20+ min. Blood lactate is sampled from either the ear lobe or finger throughout the test and blood lactate concentrations are used to determine your lactate threshold and maximal lactate concentration (if requested). Lactate threshold refers to the exercise intensity where lactate production exceeds clearance and is related to performance for endurance sports. A full report with all of your data will provided, along with exercise recommendations, if requested.

An exercise stress test shows how your heart works during physical activity. The test can help determine your risk of having heart disease and assist in developing a safe exercise program. Because exercise makes your heart pump harder and faster, an exercise stress test can reveal problems with blood flow within your heart. A stress test involves walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike which becomes progressively more difficult. Your blood pressure will be measured, and your heart rate and rhythm are monitored with a 12-lead ECG.

In certain situations, a physician may be present, though we cannot test anyone with known cardiovascular disease or symptoms of disease.