Cardiopulmonary exercise testing

Cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPET) represent important diagnostic tools and enable implementation of preventive and/or therapeutic modalities. In occupational medicine, in rehabilitation and in sport medicine they are indispensable. They constitute the basis for advice in training or in professional activities. They offer objective measures for disability assessment and compensation. This overview encompasses relevant aspects in the pathophysiology of ventilatory and circulatory limitation and describes pertinent information on the ventilation-perfusion relationship. We mention different methods of exercise testing and point out pitfalls and errors when using these tests. Finally we give a brief insight into the possibilities of spiroergometry.