Swiss Olympic Medical Center

Spiroergometry

Spiroergometry is a modern exercise test that measures breathing, oxygen uptake (VO₂), carbon dioxide output (VCO₂) and heart rate under progressively increasing load. This allows us to precisely determine your VO₂max, your optimal fat-burning zone, and your individual training zones.

Spiroergometry is suitable for health-conscious individuals as well as ambitious athletes who want to manage their training in a targeted way and make it more efficient.

Optional (on request):

• Lactate testing during the test
• Exercise ECG

Important note: If you have high blood pressure, heart or lung disease, diabetes, or severe overweight, please book your appointment by phone. Depending on your situation, a medical check-up beforehand may be advisable.

Lactate Step Test

In the lactate step test, the load is increased in stages. We measure the blood lactate concentration, record your heart rate, and document your subjective perceived exertion.

Based on these data, we determine exactly which intensity and heart rate ranges your training should take place in. This enables targeted optimisation of training plans and objective monitoring of progress.

The test is ideal for endurance sports such as running, cycling and triathlon, and also helps to assess overall performance capacity.

Resting Metabolic Rate Measurement

Resting metabolic rate measurement shows how much energy your body needs at complete rest to maintain essential functions. You receive an individual, measurement-based foundation for your daily calorie requirement – significantly more accurate than formula-based estimates.

The measurement is performed via respiratory gas analysis (gold standard) and is particularly helpful for:

• Weight loss or weight gain
• Nutritional counselling
• Personal training and training planning

Recommendation: For the most accurate result, do the measurement fasted – ideally in the morning without any prior food intake.

Back to Sport

Our Back to Sport test battery provides a sound assessment of current load tolerance and rehabilitation status. Using isokinetic strength testing and jump performance analysis, complemented by additional standardised, evidence-based assessments when required, we precisely and reliably identify deficits, asymmetries and performance reserves.

The test is not limited to elite or professional athletes. It also serves as an objective decision-making tool for physiotherapists and physicians – whether the goal is a return to sport, work or everyday activities. Instead of subjective judgement, we deliver robust data to support safe next steps in rehabilitation.

• Nutrition counseling for athletes
• Mental training
• Orthomolecular medicine (initial consultation)
• Guidance for sports beginners
• Performance optimization and sports counseling for various medical conditions
• Training consultation and planning with certified Swiss Olympic coach
• Training consultation and planning with sports physiotherapist
• Additional medical or psychological assessments upon request

Stress Level Analysis
Assessment of recovery capacity and sleep quality using 24-hour heart rate variability measurement.

Exercise-Induced Asthma Test
This test provokes respiratory symptoms through exertion on a treadmill or cycle ergometer. Following the provocation test, lung function is measured using a standardized protocol to detect any exercise-induced bronchial constriction.

Body Plethysmography
In addition to the parameters of a standard lung function test, this examination measures the amount of air remaining in the lungs after complete exhalation. It also determines airway resistance and includes measurements to assess gas exchange in the lungs.

Lung Function Test (Spirometry)
Spirometry is a baseline test for assessing lung function. It measures the maximum amount of air exhaled, the volume exhaled within the first second, and the maximum airflow during inhalation and exhalation.

Methacholine Test
The patient inhales a defined amount of a stimulant that, in cases of bronchial hypersensitivity, causes airway constriction. This test is essential for diagnosing and monitoring the progression of bronchial asthma.

Additional Assessments
Evaluation of injuries and conditions (e.g., unexplained performance decline or fatigue due to overtraining) as well as disorders affecting the lungs, heart, and muscles.

Exercise ECG
During an exercise ECG, the heart’s electrical activity is recorded under gradually increasing load on a cycle ergometer, while blood pressure is measured at each stage. On request, lactate (lactic acid) can also be measured during this protocol to complement individual training advice.

Body Composition (Body Fat Measurement)
Body composition analysis is an essential part of holistic nutrition and health counseling. Weight alone only tells half the story – what really matters is knowing the exact ratio of fat to muscle mass in the body.

Running & Gait Analysis
These assessments help identify various causes of overuse injuries. With appropriate footwear adjustments and/or orthopedic insoles, such issues can be minimized.

Resting ECG
By attaching suction electrodes to the chest, the heart’s electrical activity is recorded. The curves can reveal potential heart diseases.

Seven-Site Skinfold Measurement
With a special caliper, skinfold thickness is measured at seven defined points on the body. Based on gender, age, weight, and the sum of the folds, body fat and muscle mass are calculated. This is a precise and well-reproducible method widely used in competitive sports.

Additional Examinations
General sports medical examination including consultation as well as blood and urine analyses (sports lab).