Resting heart rate is taken prior to exercise but after 5 minutes of rest and used to establish a target heart rate.
The participant is placed on the treadmill using either a gait belt or harness depending on safety needs, and the treadmill is set at a speed that provides a comfortable, smooth gait pattern.
A 2-minute warm-up is provided before increasing the speed to the appropriate training level.
Behavior, heart rate, and tolerance of the exercise are monitored.
The speed and incline are adjusted in an attempt to reach the target range and the patient is encouraged to continue to exercise in this range for 20 to 30 minutes.
A 2-minute cool-down follows the exercise test.
The participant is then removed from the apparatus and allowed to sit and relax for 5 minutes and a resting heart rate is again obtained.
The participant is provided with water during the exercise session if requested and encouraged to drink at the end of the test.
The information from the additional evaluation sessions is also documented on the same Appendix A worksheet.
