Respiratory and heart functions measured with medical precision

Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPT) – Ergospirometric Assessment

Η Εργοσπιρομετρική Αξιολόγηση στο Κέντρο Αποκατάστασης Διάπλαση στην Καλαμάτα αποτελεί μια σύγχρονη, μη επεμβατική και αξιόπιστη εξέταση που αξιολογεί πώς λειτουργούν η καρδιά, οι πνεύμονες και οι μύες κατά την άσκηση. Προσφέρει ακριβή δεδομένα για την αναπνευστική απόδοση, την καρδιακή λειτουργία και την αντοχή του οργανισμού, προκειμένου να καθοριστεί με ασφάλεια και ακρίβεια το κατάλληλο θεραπευτικό πλάνο κάθε ασθενούς.

What is cardiopulmonary exercise testing

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing is an advanced fatigue test that accurately measures oxygen consumption (VO₂), cardiac response and dozens of other important parameters (more than 100) during exercise. Unlike other endurance tests, cardiopulmonary exercise testing analyzes how all the body’s basic systems work together under real fatigue conditions. It is the only test that can reveal the true cause of reduced endurance, shortness of breath or fatigue, transforming data into real knowledge for your safety and performance.

The basic measurements include:

  • Oxygen uptake (VO2): shows how efficiently the body uses oxygen during exercise
  • Carbon dioxide production (VCO2): shows how the muscles expel CO2
  • Εκπνεόμενος όγκος αέρα ανά λεπτό: πόσο αέρα εκπνέετε κάθε λεπτό
  • Expiratory volume of air per minute: how much air you exhale each minute
  • Anaerobic threshold (AT): the point at which the muscles produce lactic acid faster than it can be eliminated

Whom is cardiopulmonary exercise testing for?

01

Patients with respiratory and heart problems

  • Shortness of breath or reduced exercise endurance without obvious cause
  • Chronic Respiratory Diseases: COPD, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary hypertension, exercise induced asthma
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Preoperative Evaluation or Post-Transplant Monitoring
02

Athletes

  • Checking the effectiveness of training programs
  • Determining optimal exercise intensity (training window)
  • Measuring of basal metabolic rate (BMR) for nutritional planning
  • Diagnosing athlete’s heart or cardiomyopathy
  • Pre-competition testing and safe guidance
03

Obese patients

  • Basal Μetabolic Rate (BMR) measurements and exercise program adjustment
  • Selection of appropriate sport and intensity based on VO2max and anaerobic threshold (AT)
  • Assessment of cardiac, respiratory and metabolic status
Benefits of cardiopulmonary exercise testing:
It detects whether exercise difficulty, is due to the heart, lungs or both
Objectively counts reduced endurance and exercise ability
Εργοσπιρομετρική Αξιολόγηση Αθλητή
It contributes to early diagnosis and monitoring of the disease
It evaluates response to treatments/therapies and rehabilitation programs
It provides safe guidance for rehabilitation or training

The cardiopulmonary testing procedure in Diaplasis:

The procedure starts with a detailed medical history and assessment of the examinee

  • Any health problems, previous tests and level of physical activity are documented  
  • All necessary preliminary tests are performed
  • Preparation instructions for the day of the examination are provided
  • The examinee signs a consent form for full information and safety

Proper preparation ensures that the examination will be effective, safe and reliable.

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing is performed in Diaplasis’ modern facilities under constant supervision of the medical and nursing team.
During the examination:

  • The examinee is connected to the equipment that monitors heart rate, respiratory data and oxygenation
  • The procedure is adapted to the individual’s capabilities and health condition
  • The team guarantees safety at all times, with immediate intervention if required

The examination provides accurate and measurable data, essential for personalized guidance and improvement of physical condition.

After completion of the cardiopulmonary exercise testing:

  • Diaplasis scientific team analyzes the data and draws up a detailed Medical report
  • Personalized instructions for exercise, rehabilitation or training are provided
  • Advice is provided to improve daily functioning and respiratory performance

In this way, cardiopulmonary exercise testing becomes a safe guidance tool, supporting both rehabilitation and improvement of physical condition.

The procedure starts with a detailed medical history and assessment of the examinee

  • Any health problems, previous tests and level of physical activity are recorded
  • All necessary preliminary tests are performed
  • Preparation instructions for the day of the examination are provided
  • The examinee signs a consent form for full information and safety

Proper preparation ensures that the examination will be effective, safe and reliable.

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing is performed in Diaplasis’ modern facilities under constant supervision of the medical and nursing team.
During the examination:

  • The examinee is connected to the equipment that monitors heart rate, respiratory data and oxygenation
  • The procedure is adapted to the individual’s capabilities and health condition
  • The team guarantees safety at all times, with immediate intervention if required

The examination provides accurate and measurable data, essential for personalized guidance and improvement of physical condition.

After completion of the cardiopulmonary exercise testing:

  • Diaplasis scientific team analyzes the data and draws up a detailed Medical report
  • Personalized instructions for exercise, rehabilitation or training are provided
  • Advice is provided to improve daily functioning and respiratory performance

In this way, cardiopulmonary exercise testing becomes a safe guidance tool, supporting both rehabilitation and improvement of physical condition.

Why should you choose Diaplasis

  • Specialized medical and nursing staff with great experience in patients, athletes and obese people
  • Modern and safe high-precision equipment
  • Personalized approach according to your needs
  • Safe, scientific and humane guidance
  • Detailed presentation of results with practical guidance

Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing and Athletes

At Diaplasis Rehabilitation Center, cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is the premier diagnostic tool for athletes striving to reach their highest level of performance. Leveraging advanced technology and highly precise real-time measurements, it reveals in detail how the body responds to intensity, effort, and performance.

During the examination basic bio-indexes are analyzed – such as oxygen consumption and cardiac function — composing a fully comprehensive “performance profile” of the athlete.

Cardiopulmonary  Exercise Testing for athletes serves as a basic tool for:

  • Improving endurance and performance
  • ενεργειακή ανάλυση και υποστήριξη διατροφής
  • Ensuring absolute safety during exercise
  • Cardiac monitoring for athletes
  • Determining training zones
  • Preventing overtraining and injuries
  • Objective tracking of progress

Data are transformed into targeted, scientifically validated guidelines that elevate training to a new level of precision and effectiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. The examination is completely safe and always under medical supervision.

A simple endurance test mainly measures the cardiac response, while Cardiopulmonary  Exercise Testing evaluates the heart, lungs, muscles and metabolism as a whole.

Absolutely. Cardiopulmonary  Exercise Testing ensures training safety, performance improvement  and overexertion avoidance.

Usually once a year or after a significant change in physical condition or exercise program.