Integrated Health Management

Acurate exercise prescription is driven by physical capacity testing. Proper assessment includes a sub-maximal stress test, pulmonary function test and a comprehensive health history at the very least. This, however is not standard practice in most health clubs and fitness centers – but it should be. Why? Because physical capacity testing yields valuable diagnostic, prognostic, functional and therapeutic information at a relatively low cost and with minimal risk. Let's talk about the importance of Pulmonary Function Testing and Physical CapacityTesting.

• Pulmonary Function Testing: Also called lung capacity testing or spirometry testing, this requires you to blow out all of the air in your lungs into a straw-like device. You should be able to blow out atleaset 75% of the air in your lungs in the first second, though this capacity differs according to age. This test for "vital capacity" is very important since, according to some studies, it is the best predictor of longevity. If timed vital capacity is less than predicted, it may indicate asthma, bronchitis or prehaps emphysema. The test is also a good motivator to encourage someone to stop smoking.
• Physical Capacity Testing: Also called sub-maximal stress testing, is an exercise tolerance test done on either a stationary cycle or treadmill and can last as little as a few minutes or as long as 20 minutes, depending on what exertion level brings upon symptoms. While not letting the heart rate exceed 85% of maximum, we are able to determine the fitness level or physical work capacity as a basis for exercise prescription. A minimum standard has been established for the average middle aged person of walking 15 minutes or longer on the treadmill, which is roughly the equivelent of running 2 miles in 20 minutes. This is the first threshold of fitness beyond which there apears to be some protection from coronary heart disease. Unless you reach this minimum fitness level, it does not apear that you have any protection from coronary disease.

An accurate exercise prescription tailored to current fitness level (as well as personal interests) is the best way to ensure a safe and successful experience. Find out if the fitness center follows American College of Sports Medicine Guidelines. If they don't, they should. Tests should be performed by an Exercise Physiologist, Exercise Specialist, or ACSM certified technician at the beginning of your program and every three months after to measure progress.