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The maximum exercise stress test: is it a behavior-modification tool?
The Journal of Family Practice
|May 1, 1984
Summary
The maximum exercise stress test (MEST) did not significantly alter coronary artery disease risk factors like attitudes or objective health measurements in a low-risk group. Only exercise levels improved, with no proven benefit for reducing disease morbidity or mortality.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Preventive Medicine
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors require effective behavior-modification tools.
- The maximum exercise stress test (MEST) has been proposed as a potential intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of the MEST as a behavior-modification tool for CAD risk factors.
- To assess changes in attitudes, behaviors, and objective health measurements.
Main Methods:
- A controlled study involving a low-risk population.
- Assessment of various health parameters before and after MEST intervention.
Main Results:
- Only exercise level showed a statistically significant improvement (P < .03).
- Attitudes, other behaviors, and objective health measurements remained largely unchanged.
- The MEST intervention was found to be expensive.
Conclusions:
- The MEST is not an effective behavior-modification tool for reducing overall CAD risk factors in low-risk populations.
- No demonstrated benefit of MEST in decreasing CAD morbidity and mortality.
- Further research may be needed to explore cost-effective CAD prevention strategies.