Marathon season is just around the corner, and if you’re planning a fall race, you are probably starting your training soon. For many people, running a marathon is not just about finishing in a certain time, it can quite simply be an opportunity to challenge oneself. That said, running a marathon is not an easy pursuit, and it’s important to keep health and safety in mind, while you continue to pursue your goals.

In order to ensure participants are in good physical health, it is a good idea to conduct a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). This is a scientific method, which evaluates ones cardiopulmonary function by simulating the maximum exercise limit that an individual can withstand. As a professional medical institution, UP Medical is also the official post-race recovery service partner of the Shanghai Marathon, providing CPET testing services for participants.

During the test, a series of key indicators are monitored, such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, oxygen uptake, etc. These indicators can intuitively reflect the working conditions of the cardiopulmonary system during exercise, and help us understand whether our body can adapt to the challenges of high-intensity exercise.

A cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) is a scientific method used to evaluate the cardiopulmonary function of an individual during exercise. It simulates the maximum exercise limit of an individual, by measuring the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in ones blood and showing how much air your lungs can take in. 

These people bear a greater cardiopulmonary burden during exercise. Cardiopulmonary testing can help them assess their physical condition and develop a reasonable training plan.

People in this category have a relatively high risk of developing cardiopulmonary 

If you often experience chest tightness, shortness of breath, palpitations and other uncomfortable symptoms after exercise, it may be worth undergoing a cardiopulmonary test to check your heart and lungs. 

Discovering potential diseases: It can be difficult to detect some cardiopulmonary diseases under routine physical examinations. Cardiopulmonary testing can help with early discovery of diseases, such as coronary heart disease, exercise-induced hypertension, lung diseases, etc.

Evaluating cardiovascular fitness: It’s important to objectively assess an individuals cardiovascular fitness if they engage in physical activity in order to provide scientific guidance for exercise training and competition. 

Creating an exercise plan: Doing a cardiopulmonary test can help to formulate an exercise program in a safe and scientific manner.

Improving sports performance: By identifying reasons for limited athletic performance, and then using the resulting training program as a guide, it’s possible to further enhance ones performance to achieve better results.

Enhancing athletic potential: Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) is an important indicator for measuring cardiovascular function. A higher VO2max indicates greater potential for physical activity.

Exercise heart rate and ECG

Heart rate is the most important indicator for evaluating exercise-induced fatigue. By using cardiopulmonary exercise testing, one can measure the maximum heart rate, detect arrhythmias, and assess myocardial blood supply during exercise. Based on a comprehensive analysis of heart rate changes, safety indicators can be ensured even at maximum intensity.

Exercise blood pressure

Maximum oxygen uptake (VO2MAX)

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing can detect ones blood pressure response during exercise. If the blood pressure decreases instead of increases with an increase in exercise volume, it often indicates serious heart dysfunction. Screening for exercise hypertension can also avoid the risk of cerebral hemorrhage caused by excessively high blood pressure.

Maximum oxygen uptake (VO2MAX)

VO2 max reflects the body’s maximum ability to take in, transport, and utilize oxygen for metabolism, and this value is related to the type of sport an athlete participates in. Different sports require different levels of VO2 max.

Anaerobic threshold (AT)

The point at which aerobic metabolism is converted into anaerobic metabolism during exercise, which can reflect an individual’s endurance level. The level of this point is primarily influenced by training and through proper endurance training, it can be effectively enhanced.

– Eat normally on the day of the test, avoid fasting, but don’t overeat.

– Avoid eating foods high in fat the night before the test. Don’t smoke or drink alcohol or coffee/stimulating drinks within 3 hours before the test.

– Wear clothes and shoes suitable for exercise. Women should not wear skirts and high heels.

– If you feel unwell or sick, such as a cold, fever, cough, etc., you should inform your doctor in time, and consider rescheduling the test.

– During the test, follow the doctor’s instructions and do not adjust the intensity of exercise or stop the test without authorization.

Let’s support one another to run for our health and for life, ensuring that every runner can safely complete this challenge. Whether you’re a novice stepping onto the track for the first time or an experienced veteran, a cardio-respiratory test can be a valuable tool to help you achieve your goals.