New tests to assess lung function. Exercise testing in pulmonary evaluation: rationale, methods and the normal respiratory response to exercise.

Abstract

THE aim of these two papers is to describe briefly the use of exercise testing in patients with respiratory problems. In the first, the background will be covered as an introduction to the available methods; a description of the normal response will set the scene for the second, in which the value of exercise testing in assessment of pulmonary disease will be described.*Why Study Exercise?Dynamic exercise employing large muscle groups is accompanied by increases in metabolic oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production. The increases in metabolic demand lead to stresses on all the mechanisms taking part in oxygen . . .