| To stabilize gas measurements, patients were asked to remain still on the ergometer for 3 min before exercising. |
| Half the group were given a bicycle ergometer and the other half were equipped with the units. |
| Comparing results at identical levels of exercise on a cycle ergometer provides an effort-independent measure of physiologic training responses. |
| At-rest measurements were made with subjects seated on the bicycle ergometer in the same position as during exercise. |
| The new index was not affected by the site of testing, the ergometer, and the system used for measuring gas exchange. |
| The primary outcome variable was improvement in exercise capacity, measured in watts on a cycle ergometer. |
