Incremental_exercise
Incremental exercise is physical exercise that increases in intensity over time.[1]
An incremental exercise test (IET) is a physical fitness test that varies by different variables. These include the initial starting rate, the consecutive work rates, increments and the duration of each increment. These variables can be modified extensively to suit the purpose of the training program or the individual.[2] Incremental exercise is a widely accepted method of sourcing health-related information.
Incremental exercise is often used during fitness tests such as the YMCA sub-maximal test, YoYo test and the commonly known beep test. Multiple methods of incremental exercise tests have also proved useful in identifying and monitoring individuals' or teams' adaptation to training.[2] Incremental exercise has proved to be useful for determining the simplest of factors, such as an individual's adaptation to a training program or physical fitness level, or some of the most complex factors. The exercise method is utilised in health studies to determine various health-related propositions and results. These include determining the reproducibility of the lower limbs activity level and, for clinical purposes, determining patient's anaerobic exercise responses and difficulties of daily living.[3][4]
In a medical setting, three incremental exercise tests are commonly used: cardiac stress testing, cardiopulmonary exercise test, and an exercise test to detect exercise-induced asthma.[4]