Method validation of cardiopulmonary exercise testing: intra- and inter-device comparisons across four metabolic carts
Authors' conclusion
Under standardized conditions, the tested metabolic carts yield comparable values both for intra-device reliability and inter-device comparability.
Study context
- Population
- Healthy adults (35 ± 11 years; 59% males)each completed eight cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPETs): two per cart, on four systems
- Participants
- 34 adults
- Exposure
- intra-device reliability and inter-device comparability of CPET parameters
Methodological detailsrandomized order, ramp protocols on cycle ergometer, standardized calibration, masks, and timing
- Randomized order
- Ramp protocols on cycle ergometer
- Standardized calibration, masks, and timing
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Intra-device reliability: VO2, heart rate or workload at anaerobic threshold (AT), RCP or peak
- Intra-device reliability was high, with no significant differences
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
| Outcome | MGC Ultima™ CPX | COSMED Quark CPET™ | Schiller PowerCube® Ergo | Vyaire Vyntus™ CPX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intra-device: resting VO2 | Not reported in the abstract | 56 mL/min | Not reported in the abstract | Not reported in the abstract | MGC Ultima™ CPX, Schiller PowerCube® Ergo, Vyaire Vyntus™ CPX: not reported in the abstract |
| Intra-device: peak ventilation | 9 L/min | Not reported in the abstract | Not reported in the abstract | Not reported in the abstract | COSMED Quark CPET™, Schiller PowerCube® Ergo, Vyaire Vyntus™ CPX: not reported in the abstract |
- Intra-device: resting VO2 — COSMED resting VO2 variance P
- P = 0.0427
- Intra-device: peak ventilation — Medical Graphic peak ventilation variance P
- P < 0.05
Inter-device: peak VO2 and VE/VCO2 slope up to respiratory compensation point (RCP)
- No differences between devices
Inter-device: VE/VCO2 slope (full slope)
- Significant differences between machines
- P = 0.0048
Inter-device: VO2 at 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of ISO-Wpeak
- VO2 values largely comparable between devices; significant difference only for VO2 (mL/kg/min) at 25% ISO-Wpeak
- P = 0.022
Original publication
Method validation of cardiopulmonary exercise testing: intra- and inter-device comparisons across four metabolic carts. Eur Heart J Qual Care Clin Outcomes. Published 6 March 2026. doi:10.
Summarised from the published abstract; every number is checked against it