Article

Aim: To verify the impact of testing mode on maximal, sub-maximal parameters and
on cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) derived prognostic markers in patients
with chronic heart failure (CHF). Method: 55 patients (age 60.3 years +/-11.1)
with CHF (ejection fraction 26 %+/-8) underwent a maximal CPET on a bicycle and
on a treadmill, in a random order, within one week. Maximal, sub-maximal
parameters and CPET derived prognostic markers were compared. Results: VO(2)peak
and VO(2)peak corrected for lean body mass were significantly higher on treadmill
compared to bicycle (+11%, p < 0.0001). This was also the case for the following
sub-maximal parameters; heart rate, workload and VO(2) at ventilatory anaerobic
threshold and VO(2) at the respiratory compensation point (RCP). In contrast,
both VE/VCO(2) slopes (start to RCP and start to end test) were similar. Time to
&frac12; VO(2)peak was longer and circulatory power was higher on the treadmill
compared to exercise testing on the bicycle. Conclusion: The results of the
present study suggest that the mode of exercise testing significantly affects
absolute values for VO(2)peak but does not greatly impact the prognostic utility
of the VE/VCO(2) slope in patients with moderate to severe CHF. Besides the
consequences of these findings in terms of prognostication, testing mode should
be taken into consideration when exercise prescription is based on VO(2)peak.

Langue : ANGLAIS