Pulmonary Exercise Tests

What to Expect When Doing the Test

Before your test, you will receive specific ways to prepare for the exercise tests. You should follow these instructions and ask your healthcare provider or the technician any of your questions or concerns. Below are general recommendations and instructions.

Preparing for your test:

• Wear clothes and shoes that are comfortable.
• You may use your usual walking aids like a cane or walker, if needed.
• You may need to avoid drinking caffeinated beverages before the test. It is okay to eat a light meal before your test.
• Take your usual medications.
• Depending on the exercise test ordered, you should limit or avoid exercising on the day of the test.  

During the test:

• The technician will measure your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen level before and during the test. 
• You will use supplemental oxygen as prescribed by your healthcare provider. 
• Follow the steps provided by the technician. For instance, the goal of the six-minute walk test is to walk as far as possible for six minutes. You will walk at your normal pace to a chair or cone and turn around. You will continue to walk back and forth for six minutes.
• If you are having chest pain, leg pain, excessive sweating, your skin color is turning pale, or have breathing difficulty, immediately, tell the staff.
• You can slow down or take a break during the six-minute walk test. Your technician will give you instructions if you need to rest. 
• On a stationary bike or treadmill, you will use a hand signal to tell the technician that there is a problem, or you need to stop. 
• Throughout the tests, the technician will record your results on a worksheet. This information will help your provider interpret the results. 

Safety:

• The technician will watch to see if you have difficulty breathing, difficulty walking, or show signs of chest discomfort. If you need to stop during the test, the technician assesses and monitors you as you recover. 
• Oxygen and other medical supplies will be nearby if you need them.

Understanding the Results

Your test results are compared to what is known to be normal for people in your weight, height, gender, and age categories. The results are used to estimate response to treatment, especially if repeated after a time interval, for instance, six months or a year later. After your test, among other changes, your provider may change your medication, prescribe supplemental oxygen, or an exercise program based on your results.

What Are the Risks?

This is a low-risk medical evaluation with assistance available throughout the test. The technician will monitor you before, during, and after the test. If you had a recent heart attack, uncontrolled heart conditions, severely high blood pressure, low oxygen levels, mobility limitations or illness, you may not be able to perform a pulmonary exercise test. Always talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns or questions about your health before you begin the test.