6533b822fe1ef96bd127d842

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Medical evaluation of athletes: Exercise testing

subject

description

Exercise testing in athletes is used to (a) evaluate baseline fitness and prescribe an exercise program or training zones, (b) evaluate continued progress after engaging in exercise training over a period of time, (c) diagnose cardiopulmonary conditions affecting exercise performance, and, (d) provoke arrhythmias or evaluate hemodynamic response to exercise in an athlete with a known cardiovascular condition to determine whether it is safe to participate in competitive sports. Exercise testing is not part of routine pre-participation (PPS) screening; however, it can supplement the clinical work-up of athletes with pathological findings during PPS and/or with symptoms. In several conditions associated with sudden cardiac death in athletes, exercise testing is helpful to reinforce the diagnosis. In the workup of exercise-related symptoms special attention should be given to closely reproducing the exercise demands of the respective sporting discipline. Exercise testing is an important and integrative diagnostic feature in the armamentarium of the sports cardiologist.