Exercise Testing Equipment

Electrocardiograph
Instrument used for recording activity of heart
One millivolt produces a mm vertical deflection on paper
Proper speed on ECG recorder is mm/sec
During exercise testing: record during rest, exercise and recovery
Used for monitoring during test

Electrode is placed on the skin to conduct current from body to measuring device
Leads display movement of electricity from one electrode to another
lead EKG uses electrodes
Limb leads should be placed on body for stability during exercise

Ensure electrode stability
1. and shave site
2. use electrode jelly
3. Secure with bandage
4. Use low / high stickiness electrodes

Oscilloscope
Provides image of electrical activity of the heart
Usually shows
Disinfect electrodes with

Electrodes

– 4th intercostal space on right side of sternum. Looks at the right heart
– 4th intercostal space on the left side of the sternum. Looks at heart
V3 – Between and V4 on left side. Looks at spetum
V4 – intercostal space, left mid-clavicular line. Looks at septum
V5 – Between and V6 on left side. Looks at heart.
V6 – intercostal space, left mid line. Looks at heart.

Leads
: Leg or foot +, everything else –
: Left arm +, everything else –
: Right arm +, everything else –
Lead : Left leg +, L arm –
Lead : Left leg +, R arm –
Lead : Left Arm +, Right arm –

Exercise Equipment
Ergometers

Ergometer
Use if pt cannot perform leg exercise
Smaller Muscle mass in upper body stresses cardio and respiratory systems

Leg Ergometer (Bike)
Good for patients with difficulty
Increase workload by increasing pedaling or increasing
Advantages: Less expensive, lighter, portable. Less fall risk, pt can stop exercising by choice, easier vitals, results are independent of bodyweight.
Disadvantages: uncomfortable, exercise is limited more by fatigue in legs
Use to keep pace
Workload is independent of pt weight.

Treadmill
Vary the workload by and
Speed = belt length x RPM
Pt should take long strides. Don’t and don’t talk
Douglass bag and Tissot spirometer used to measure ventilation and expired gas concentration.
Have recording device that can plot volume, flow and time.
Emergency equipment should be available – Cardiac monitor and defribrillator should be present esp with pt with heart disease.
Advantage: Walking is natural, 75% of stress tests are done on treadmill
Disadvantage: Fall Rish, patient cannot stop on their own, difficult to obtain vitals, body weight is a factor
Calibrate by multiplying belt length by RPM

Step Method
Vary the workload by step height and ste0p rate
Simple to do
Difficult to determine workload