Abstract

The technique of exercise testing in children with lung or heart disease is briefly described and the results of such studies in 5 illustrative cases are discussed in detail, each child being compared with a matched control. The tests enable detailed cardiorespiratory data to be obtained quite simply using arterialized ear-lobe blood, and a rebreathing method for mixed venous Pco₂. The practical value of exercise testing in determining the nature and severity of disease processes is described and its special role in confirming normality in the absence of significant disease is discussed.