Embedded Files
What is a Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET)?
What is a Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET)?
At the PaceForward Foundation, we specialize in cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), a gold-standard tool that measures how effectively your heart, lungs, and muscles work together to deliver and use oxygen to produce energy. This in-depth assessment helps determine whether your response to physical activity is within normal limits, evaluates your overall functional capacity, and can inform individualized treatment or activity plans.
The 2-day fatigue test protocol includes two maximum-effort graded (progressively intensifying) exercise tests, typically performed on a stationary cycle. These tests are separated by 24 hours. Each CPET appointment lasts approximately 90 minutes, though the actual exercise portion is only 8–12 minutes. During each session, you’ll wear a facemask to collect exhaled air, and we’ll monitor your blood pressure, ECG (heart rate and rhythm), and oxygen saturation before, during, and after the test. All measures are non-invasive. The recovery period usually lasts a few minutes and concludes when your vital signs return close to baseline and you are safe to stand.
Following the second test, our team provides integrative bodywork as part of your care. This hands-on support may include lymphatic drainage, gentle myofascial release, jaw and cranial techniques, or nervous system-focused therapies to help the body ground, regulate, and begin the recovery process. Depending on your individual needs, this session may involve one or both practitioners. Many clients find this integrative support especially helpful after testing, as it encourages relaxation, circulation, and reconnection with the body.
What sets the PaceForward Foundation apart is our holistic approach: not only do we deliver a comprehensive, scientifically rigorous CPET report that validates your functional limitations, but we also provide hands-on, restorative bodywork that supports recovery and integration immediately after testing. This combination of precise data and compassionate care ensures that both your test results and your well-being are prioritized.
If you would like to schedule a test, please follow the instructions below.
BE ADVISED: We will not test you if you plan to drive yourself from our clinic following a test. You must plan to have someone drive you to and from the PaceForward clinic.
Click each step for more information.
Step 1. Fill out the health forms and return them back to us.
Step 1. Fill out the health forms and return them back to us.
There are 7 forms that need to be completed before we can schedule your CPET appointment:
Physician Referral Form (MUST BE COMPLETED BY YOUR PHYSICIAN)
Authorization for Release of Exercise Test Information (as needed)
You may also access the full packet of forms here.
Use the links above to download each form separately (save as your name and name of file), or you can access all forms together here. You can type directly into any of the forms (once you have made a copy) using an electronic device or fill them out by hand and re-upload electronic copies to our email. Once you have filled out the forms and have had your physician complete the referral form, please submit through any of the following ways:
We will not test you if you plan to drive yourself from our clinic following a test. You must plan to have someone drive you to and from the PaceForward clinic.
E-mail (easiest/fastest): info@paceforwardfoundation.org
Phone: (607) 231-3886 Fax: (607) 216-1022
Mail: PaceForward Foundation, LLP
950 Danby Road, Suite 201-O
Ithaca, NY 14850
Step 2. Complete the payment submission.
Step 2. Complete the payment submission.
The cost for the two-day test protocol and report is $3500 (additional charges for "Rush" or "Urgent Rush"). Insurance coverage for this evaluation varies by company, so you should check with your insurer to determine if coverage is available to you.
We do not accept third party payment from an insurance company, Medicare, or Medicaid. Therefore, you are responsible for payment to be made via our secure web portal. We cannot schedule your CPET appointments before health forms and payment are received.
We will not test you if you plan to drive yourself from our clinic following a test. You must plan to have someone drive you to and from the PaceForward clinic.
Payment is required in full prior to scheduling the appointment. In the case of a cancellation, there is 15% cancellation fee that is nonrefundable. If traveling by air, travel insurance is highly recommended.
Pay for your 2-day CPET ($3500) through our Payment Portal HERE
"Rush" report for 2-day CPET add $800 (5-8 business days after last piece of data is acquired) = $4300 - Select "Rush" under donation type.
"URGENT Rush" report for 2-day CPET add $1000 (3-5 business days after last piece of data is acquired) = $4500 - Select "URGENT Rush" under donation type.
Step 3. Confirm your CPET appointment dates.
Step 3. Confirm your CPET appointment dates.
Once you have 1) submitted your health forms, 2) had your physician send their referral, and 3) completed payment, we will reach out to you again directly using the contact information you have provided and confirm your appointment dates and times. CPET appointments occur over the course of 2 consecutive days, where each appointment is scheduled for the same time on both days. Each appointment is 90 minutes.
As a reminder, you will only exercise for about 8-12 minutes during each session. It is expected that you schedule your CPETs for a time when you can arrive in a well-rested state, as close to your 'baseline' state as possible. Please plan your travel so you are not overly fatigued upon arrival for your first test. We will not test you if you plan to drive yourself from our clinic following a test. You must plan to have someone drive you to and from the PaceForward clinic.
Step 4. Prepare for your CPETs!
Step 4. Prepare for your CPETs!
Please review our instructions for a successful CPET and recovery here. More information can be found in the FAQs section of this website.
We will not test you if you plan to drive yourself from our clinic following a test. You must plan to have someone drive you to and from the PaceForward clinic.
If you have any questions about testing, please feel free to contact us via e-mail, phone, or the form found under the 'Contact Us' tab!
E-mail: info@PaceForwardFoundation.org
Phone: (607)-231-3886
A Fiscally Sponsored Program of Fiscal Sponsorship Allies
Registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization #85-0839183
Report abuse