Normal values for cardiopulmonary exercise testing in children

Abstract

Background: A reference set of data of normal values of newly developed cardiopulmonary parameters of exercise testing in an 8-18-year-old population is lacking. Patients and methods: Cardiopulmonary exercise testing was performed in 175 healthy school children (8-18 years old). Continuous electrocardiography was performed, and minute ventilation, oxygen uptake (VO 2 ), and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) production were measured continuously with a respiratory gas analysis system. Results: Peak VO 2 /kg did not change with age, whereas the ventilation to carbon dioxide exhalation slope was lower in the older children. The decline in heart rate during recovery was much faster in the youngest children. Linear regression analysis showed a significant effect of age on: peak work rate (WR peak ) and WR peak /kg, ventilation to carbon dioxide exhalation slope, heart rate recovery, and VO 2peak (boys only) (All P < 0.001). The ÁVO 2 /ÁWR slope remained constant throughout all age groups. Conclusion: This study comprehensively provides a reference set of data for the most important cardiopulmonary variables that can be obtained during exercise testing in children.

Ventricular function and cardiac reserve in contemporary Fontan patients

“…From these exercise tests, maximum oxygen uptake (VO 2 peak) and ventilatory efficiency (VE/VCO 2 slope) were assessed and expressed as percentage of predicted values. To calculate the predicted values, norm values from healthy children were used [25].…”

The Tools of the Trade – Physiological Measurements of the Lungs

“…Age, sex and height are strongly associated with exercise time, heart rate and oxygen uptake. While reference values for cardiopulmonary parameters of exercise testing in children are available in some ethnic groups [47][48][49], they are currently lacking in Indian children. This test will help determine a passenger's requirement for supplemental oxygen in a flight.…”

“…The test is also more sensitive for detecting early or subclinical disease than less comprehensive tests that are done at rest [46]. CPET can be safely and effectively performed in children, even as young as 5 y of age [47][48][49]. Age, sex and height are strongly associated with exercise time, heart rate and oxygen uptake.…”

Cardiovascular fitness and haemodynamic responses to maximal cycle ergometer exercise test in children 6–8 years of age

“…It is important to provide reference values for cardiovascular fitness and responses of heart rate (HR) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) to maximal exercise test in children to be able to evaluate the cardiovascular function and health of children and to detect those with abnormal values (Paridon et al, 2006). Although there are a few population studies on cardiovascular fitness or haemodynamic responses to maximal exercise test in healthy children (Dencker et al, 2008;Eiberg et al, 2005;Ten Harkel, Takken, Van Osch-Gevers, & Helbing, 2011), none of them have reported cardiovascular fitness and changes in HR and SBP during and after exercise test.…”