Exercise Testing in Sports Medicine

Background Bicycle and treadmill exercise tests are used in sports medicine and occupational medicine to detect latent disease, to monitor treatment, and to measure patients' physical performance ability and reserve. In this review, we describe the indications, contraindications, and manner of performance of these tests, along with the variables tested, criteria for evaluation, (sub)maximal stress, and the factors that affect these tests, including age, sex, and medications. Methods This review is based on pertinent articles retrieved by a selective literature search and on the ergometry guidelines of four medical specialty societies. Results The proper performance of ergometric stress test…