[Methods and evaluation of clinical ergometer tests]

Taking into consideration biological calibration of ergometers the authors suggest load steps to be related to oxygen uptake. A pedalling rate of 45 rev/min should be used. At each stage of load an almost steady state should be reached, at which there is no further increase of the pulse rate. Thus, one load period will extend over 3--6 minutes. Intermittent rest pauses are required only for special reasons of method. The parameters to be measured depend on required data. In evaluating test results it should be considered that poor performance in an exercise test cannot only be caused by heart or lung diseases, but also by functional disturbances.