[Exercise test in patients with pulmonary diseases]

To assess the clinical utility of a ramp exercise test in patients with pulmonary diseases, the gas exchange variables from normal volunteers and patients with pulmonary diseases during ramp exercise were compared to those during steady-state exercise. Measurements during ramp exercise could titrate the extent of the patients' maximal exercise as well as the adequate performance of parameters in gas exchange coupling. There were no significant differences in the four variables achieved between the two exercises. These gas exchange variables during ramp exercise made it possible to predict the exercise-limiting factors for patients with COPD and pulmonary fibrosis. Furthermore, a ramp exercise test could be performed safely even in patients with severe lung diseases and required a shorter period than a steady state exercise test. Thus, a ramp exercise test is thought to be useful in the evaluation of patients with pulmonary diseases.