Monitoring exercise programmes and improving cardiovascular performance

Abstract

Cardiovascular exercise performance is associated with lower morbidity and mortality. In addition to maximal load, heart rate, and peak oxygen consumption, cardiopulmonary exercise testing and lactate analyses can provide relevant information on cardiovascular performance, diagnosis, exercise prescription, and monitoring of exercise programmes based on submaximal parameters. Using submaximal thresholds has the advantage that the prescription and effect of exercise training are directly linked to the underlying energy metabolism and therefore can reveal the specific needs of the individual. There are several methods ofr strength testing that are all based on maximum parameters and should be chosen according to the best-fit principle to the underlying strength training programme. In addition, new media such as wearables, innovative gadgets and telemonitoring have become increasingly popular in recent years and can be used to monitor the exercise training sessions, providing information for evaluation and adjustment of training if necessary.