• Ramp protocol of 8-12 minutes on a cycle ergometer
• Record data per breath
• Insight into ventilatory efficiency essential 

A cardiopulmonary exercise test is the best way to gain insight into someone’s physical fitness. The choice for a test depends on the condition of the patient and the questions the researcher wishes to answer. The authors describe which protocol is most suitable for patients with heart failure, how therapists can collect and report data best, and what the results mean.