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Exercise test

Controlled physical activity, more strenuous than at rest, which is performed in order to allow assessment of physiological functions, particularly cardiovascular and pulmonary, but also aerobic capacity. Maximal (most intense) exercise is usually required but submaximal exercise is also used. The intensity of exercise is often graded, using criteria such as rate of work done, oxygen consumption, and heart rate. Physiological data obtained from an exercise test may be used for diagnosis, prognosis, and evaluation of disease severity, and to evaluate therapy. Data may also be used in prescribing exercise by determining a persons exercise capacity.