Environmental Factors for Exercise Testing and Exercise Prescription

摘要

The clinical use of exercise testing to evaluate an individual's cardiorespiratory reserve and to enable the appropriate prescription of aerobic activity has attained wide medical acceptance. The physiologic stress from the metabolic intensity imposed by exercise, however, is only one consideration in testing and prescription. An equally important stress is that imposed by the environment (heat, cold, altitude, and air quality). Both exercise and environment alter the physiologic responses of the cardiorespiratory system. These environmental factors, either singly or in combination with exercise, can result in potentially hazardous health conditions.