How will I be graded and what's included in the results?

The test is not a pass/failure. Each person is compared to individuals of their same age, height and weight. Functional capacities (V02) greater than 85% are desired. Included in the results are stroke volume, the presence/absence of inducible dysfunction, and ventilatory efficiency. Other measurements are obtained and will be further explained at the follow up with our provider. Each person is provided a cardiovascular exercise prescription based on oxygen consumption which is considered the gold standard.

Are METs measured and do I have to reach a certain number?

Mets and power (watts) are measured but are not “hard breaks” in terms of pass/fail. CPET directly measures peak VO2 with maximal exertion. Expressing peak VO2 as percent (%) predicted based on age, sex, height, weight refines risk stratification based on fitness. For example, a smaller stature individual may achieve 100% of his/her predicted VO2 and have absolute peak VO2 < 42 ml/kg/min or 12 Mets. If there is no underlying cardiac dysfunction, normal % predicted peak VO2 individuals are low risk for CV events regardless of not being able to achieve 12 Mets. Likewise, larger individuals that can exceed 12 Mets on the Gerkin TMST may have reduced % predicted peak VO2 due to unknown congenital causes or acquired heart disease in need of more aggressive risk-factor modification. Watch this video for more information: Met-test for Firefighters from Sundeep Chaudhry on Vimeo .