Spiroergometry is an important analysis method for athletes as well as heart and lung patients. It is also known as ergospirometry (from Latin spirare: to breathe, Greek ergon: work and metron: measure). Spiroergometry is a medical examination of respiratory gases during controlled physical exertion. In the past, the procedure was mainly used in competitive sports, but it now has many areas of application.
Below you will find further information and spiroergometry specialists.
Spiroergometry can be used to measure respiratory gases, i.e. oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide release. The results allow conclusions to be drawn about the functions
at rest and under continuously increasing exertion. The examination also records the respiratory volume, i.e. the amount of air that is transported per breath or per unit of time.
The body continuously needs oxygen, which is transported from the lungs via the blood to the muscles, where it contributes to energy production. With the help of oxygen, nutrients and energy sources, mainly carbohydrates and fats, are broken down into their end products. The waste product is carbon dioxide, which is transported from the blood back to the lungs and exhaled.
If the body is only moderately stressed, energy production is aerobic. This means that sufficient oxygen is available to break down the nutrients completely.
With greater physical exertion, there is a lack of oxygen and anaerobic (oxygen-free) energy production occurs. Under these conditions, fats can no longer be processed, which is why only sugar is broken down. However, even this can no longer be completely broken down without oxygen.
As a result, an important and measurable metabolic intermediate is produced, lactic acid(lactate). The accumulation of lactate leads to hyperacidity in the body and the limit of physical endurance is reached.
Spiroergometry is mainly used
for use. Patients with lung diseases and heart failure often undergo spiroergometry. But also
are also examined using spiroergometry.
Sports medicine is the most common field of application for spiroergometry. Regular spiroergometry examinations can document athletes' performance and training progress. Using spiroergometry, doctors can
determine. This so-called performance diagnostics provides relevant data on the basis of which a personal training plan can be drawn up for athletes.
In cardiology, a statement can be made about the condition of the cardiovascular system. In the case of lung diseases, the functionality of the lung tissue and airways is checked. Spiroergometry is used here to plan further therapeutic measures.
Typical diseases for which spiroergometry is performed include
Further indications (areas of application) for spiroergometry are, for example
The most important values that are determined during endurance performance diagnostics include
Another measured value is the so-called anaerobic threshold, also known as the lactate threshold. This is the point at which the body begins to produce anaerobic energy and thus accumulates lactate. A blood sample from the earlobe is usually used to determine the anaerobic threshold.
During spiroergometry, the function of the lungs is examined under increasing stress © M. Siegmund | AdobeStock
Spiroergometry is carried out by an internist or specialist for heart and lung diseases. Athletes can have the examination carried out by a sports physician.
During spiroergometry, the test person must perform physical work on a special bicycle(ergometer) or treadmill. Other equipment, e.g. a rowing ergometer, can also be used for competitive athletes. The workload is continuously increased with the help of computer-controlled programs, whereby the increase is based on the patient's individual exercise capacity
During spiroergometry, the test person wears an airtight breathing mask that is connected to a measuring device. Gas samples can be taken via this mask. A modern method is the so-called breath-by-breath analysis, in which the gas concentration of each individual breath can be determined.
In addition, the person being examined is connected to an ECG and a blood pressure monitor during spiroergometry. This allows the heart rate and blood pressure to be permanently monitored.
In total, spiroergometry only takes about 10 minutes. This is usually followed by five to ten minutes of follow-up observation. At the end of the examination, the doctor evaluates the recordings, which are usually displayed graphically on the computer screen.
The health insurance company covers the costs if the spiroergometry is carried out due to a suspected heart or lung disease.
However, athletes who want to use spiroergometry to plan their training must bear the costs themselves. An examination costs around 170 to 180 euros.
The risks of spiroergometry are generally minimal. As the test subject is constantly monitored by the doctor, there is only an extremely low risk of complications. During physical exertion, an increased breathing and heart rate and possibly slight shortness of breath are completely normal.
However, if more severe symptoms occur, the doctor must stop the spiroergometry. If the test person suffers from
the exercise is stopped immediately.
For some people, spiroergometry cannot be carried out as the physical strain would be too great. These include, for example, patients with
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