Best Practices for Spiroergometry

Spiroergometry (also called cardiopulmonary exercise testing or CPET) combines spirometry (measurement of breathing) with ergometry (measurement of work output). It measures VO2, VCO2, RER, ventilatory thresholds, and derived metrics like FatMax and VO2max. Whether you go to a lab or do it yourself - here's what you need to know to get reliable results.

Where to get a spiroergometry test

Sports medicine clinics and university hospitals are the most common places for spiroergometry. Many cities have dedicated performance diagnostics centers (often listed as 'Leistungsdiagnostik' or 'sports performance lab') that offer testing for athletes. Prices typically range from €100-300 per session depending on the protocol and analysis depth. Some options: sports medicine physicians (often covered by health insurance if medically indicated), university sports institutes (often cheaper, sometimes used for research studies), private performance labs and coaching centers (fastest appointments, cycling-specific setups with your own bike), and physiotherapy practices with metabolic testing equipment. The downside of lab visits: you typically get tested once or twice a year, your power meter isn't integrated, and you wait days for results.

How to prepare for reliable results

The most common reason for invalid spiroergometry results is poor preparation - not equipment quality. Follow these rules: no hard training for 24-48 hours before the test. Eat a light meal 2-3 hours before (avoid high-fat or high-fiber foods). No caffeine for 3 hours before (it shifts RER and heart rate). Stay well hydrated but don't overdrink. Arrive 15 minutes early and avoid rushing. Wear cycling kit and bring your own shoes/cleats. For repeat testing: test at the same time of day, with the same pre-test routine, and ideally in the same week of your training cycle. OpenSpiro includes pre-test checklists with all these steps built in, so nothing gets forgotten.

How often should you test, and why DIY changes everything

Most experts recommend spiroergometry every 8-12 weeks during structured training, and always after major training phase changes (base to build, build to peak). Before an A-race, a test 3-4 weeks out helps fine-tune race-day pacing and nutrition. After illness or injury, a follow-up test confirms you're back to baseline. The problem: at €150-300 per lab visit, testing 4-6 times a year costs €600-1800 and requires scheduling weeks ahead. Portable VO2 analyzers like Calibre Bio or VO2Master combined with OpenSpiro change this equation entirely. You get guided test protocols with individual watt thresholds adapted to your fitness level, automatic stage progression, and real-time validity monitoring. Your power meter and smart trainer are natively integrated - no manual data merging. Test monthly, after every training block, or before every race. For coaches managing multiple athletes, regular testing becomes practical instead of a twice-a-year event.