Study finds cardiopulmonary exercise testing can detect respiratory disorders in obese | News – Times of India Videos

A new study has found that cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) can be used for the early detection of respiratory disorders in overweight and obese individuals. This is the main finding of a study by Brazilian researchers who set out to assess the influence of obesity on the physiological responses obtained in CPET. The findings of the study were published in the journal ‘PLOS ONE’. CPET is a non-invasive method used to assess performance of heart and lungs at rest and during exercise. CPET combines a conventional ergometric test with analysis of respiratory gases, pulmonary oxygen uptake (VO2), carbon dioxide production (VCO2), respiratory rate, and pulmonary ventilation. It determines the level of aerobic conditioning and is indicated for an initial assessment in physical exercise programs, both in clinical practice and for amateur or high-performance athletes. Devices commonly used for patient exercise include stationary bicycle ergometers and treadmills. CPET is insufficiently used for obese patients. It can bring to light several potential issues and has substantial diagnostic and pre-diagnostic potential, which isn’t adequately explored. The test does not diagnose a specific disorder or disease, but can be used for early detection of exercise intolerance and to help identify its causes, so that the patient can be referred to a specialist for a more precise diagnosis.