Table of Contents
Advertisement
Before beginning the Exercise phase of the test, instruct the patient to follow the appropriate steps below:
For Treadmill
1. Have the patient straddle the belt. (You should turn the treadmill on when the belt has been safely
straddled). The treadmill starts at the pre-selected speed and elevation.
2. Patients should place their hands on the handrail for stability and test the speed of the belt with one foot
before transferring the other foot to the moving belt.
3. When patients are acclimated to the movement of the belt, remind them to keep their bodies straight and
their heads up. They can rest their wrists over the handrail or place their arms by their sides as they would
in a normal walking position.
4. Instruct patients to relax and use as little upper body motion as possible, and to stay near the front of
the treadmill.
NOTE: To stop the treadmill immediately, depress the emergency stop button mounted on the handrail of
the treadmill.
For Ergometer
1. Have the patient sit on the seat of the ergometer. The ergometer starts at the pre-selected watts level.
2. Patients should place their hands on the handlebars for stability and test the watts level of the ergometer
before proceeding to ensure they are familiar with the functional requirements during the test.
3. When patients are acclimated to the ergometer, remind them to keep their bodies straight and their heads
up. They can rest their wrists over the handlebars as they would in a normal riding position.
For Pharmacological
1. Have the patient lie on the table, or sit on the chair (depending on facility policies).
2. Patients should place their hands on the table under their butt cheeks for stability before proceeding to
ensure they are familiar with the functional requirements during the test.
3. When patients are acclimated to their surroundings, remind them to keep their bodies still and their heads
flat.
CONDUCTING AN EXERCISE STRESS TEST
Page | 21
Advertisement
Table of Contents
