Improved simulation system for routine cardiopulmonary exercise test equipment. Part III: A new cycle ergometer check...

A new check system for cycle ergometers is described. The system consists of a device with a calibrated reference moment which connects to the crank axle of the ergometer to be controlled and exerts a known amount of force. It is equipped with a balance system that indicates whether the force applied corresponds to the preset resistance of the ergometer. The power actually produced by the ergometer is calculated by a mathematical formula. A mechanical and an electronic version are described. The accuracy of the calibrator was tested: mean error during constant pedal revolutions per minute (rpm) conditions was < 0.59% (SD < 0.31); in variable rpm conditions it was < 0.645% (SD < 0.378). An isoline diagram for rapid clinical use is also illustrated.