Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 7, 2025
Effects of Surgical Masks on Cardiopulmonary Function in Healthy Subjects
Published on: February 12, 2021
Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing in the Coronavirus Disease - 2019 Era: Safety and Protocol Considerations
Brian D Duscha, Johanna L Johnson1, William C Bennett1
1Duke Molecular Physiology Institute.
Insights
Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) can continue safely during the COVID-19 pandemic with specific safety modifications. These universal guidelines protect clients and staff while maintaining laboratory operations.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Public Health
- Infectious Disease Control
Background:
- Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) is crucial for clinical and research applications.
- Human performance laboratories aim to maintain operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- General COVID-19 guidelines require adaptation for specialized testing environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide recommendations for modifying CPX protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- To ensure the safety of clients and staff in CPX laboratories.
- To enable continued operation of CPX testing while minimizing disease transmission risk.
Main Methods:
- Review of federal, local, and institutional COVID-19 mandates.
- Evaluation of the CPX testing environment and workflow adjustments.
- Guidelines for personal protective equipment (PPE) acquisition and usage.
- Specific protocols for pre-test, during-test, and post-test procedures.
Main Results:
- Modified CPX protocols enhance safety for all stakeholders.
- Implementation of universal safety measures across diverse settings and modalities.
- Reduced risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission within CPX laboratories.
- Maintenance of testing volume despite necessary safety precautions.
Conclusions:
- Adherence to modified CPX protocols is essential for safe operation during the pandemic.
- Proactive safety measures protect both clients and laboratory personnel.
- CPX laboratories can effectively balance safety and operational continuity.
Abstract:
Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) is a valuable tool in both clinical practice and research settings. Therefore, it is advantageous for human performance laboratories to continue operating during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. All institutions should adhere to general COVID-19 guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control. Because of the testing environment, CPX laboratories must consider additional precautionary safety measures. This article provides recommendations for modifying the CPX protocol to ensure safety for all stakeholders during the pandemic. These modifications are universal across all populations, types of institutions and testing modalities. Preliminary measures include careful review of federal, local, and institutional mandates. The description outlines how to evaluate a testing environment and alter workflow. Guidelines are provided on what specific personal protective equipment should be acquired; as well as necessary actions before, during, and after the CPX test. These precautions will limit the possibility of both clients and staff from contracting or spreading the disease while maintaining testing volume in the laboratory.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:26Exercise Stress Test
Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
01:23Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation III: AED Use
01:21Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation I: Adult
01:25Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...
01:29Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Management
Smoking Cessation