Performance diagnostics
Performance diagnostics: redefining your limits
Regardless of whether you are an ambitious amateur athlete, a professional or returning to sport after an illness - success in sport is based on exact data, not on assumptions. PD Dr. med. Raphael Bruno offers you professional-level performance diagnostics. By analyzing your physiological parameters, we determine your exact training zones, identify performance potential and ensure that your cardiovascular system is optimally equipped to cope with the strain. Train more efficiently, safely and purposefully.
Performance diagnostics
From status quo to goal: 7 steps to top form
Performance diagnostics for PD Dr. med. Raphael Bruno is the perfect symbiosis of sports science and cardiology. We look beneath the surface of your physical exertion to understand your metabolism and heart function during exercise.
- Sports anamnesis & goal setting: Discussion of your current training status and your athletic vision.
- Basic cardiology check: Resting ECG and cardiac ultrasound to rule out structural risks before exercise.
- Spirometry (lung function): Measurement of lung volume and respiratory flow rates at rest.
- Check energy status: Detailed analysis of mitochondrial function to optimize energy production at the cellular level and remedy performance lows.
- Step load test: Standardized exercise protocol on the bike or treadmill ergometer.
- Metabolic analysis: Continuous measurement of respiratory gases (spiroergometry) or lactate values to determine thresholds.
- Heart rate mapping: Precise allocation of your pulse ranges to the energetic metabolic phases.
Who benefits from professional diagnostics?
Knowledge about your own body is the strongest motivator. Our diagnostics are aimed at anyone who takes their physical condition seriously.
Competitive athletesFor precise preparation for events and to optimize the anaerobic threshold.
Health athletesTo ensure that the training strengthens the heart and does not overload it.
Re-entrants & patientsSafe build-up after injuries, heart attacks or chronic illnesses.
Losing weightIdentification of the „fat burning zone“ for a maximally efficient fat metabolism.
What we measure - innovative longevity diagnostics
We measure where performance is generated: gas exchange in the lungs and metabolism in the muscles. These values are your roadmap for the coming weeks of training.
| Measured value & range | Significance for your training |
| VO2max (max. oxygen uptake) | Gross fitness criterionThe most important value for your aerobic capacity and endurance performance. |
| Aerobic threshold (VT1) | Basic enduranceThe area where you use fat as your main source of energy - ideal for long, relaxed sessions. |
| Anaerobic threshold (VT2 / AT) | Power limitThe point at which acidosis begins. Crucial for tempo and interval training. |
| Respiratory minute volume | Ventilation efficiencyAnalysis of how economically your breathing works under increasing load. |
| Individual pulse zones | Training controlExact heart rate targets for recom, GA1, GA2 and EB training. |
| Oxygen pulse | Stroke volume indicator: A measure of how much oxygen your heart transports to the muscles per beat. |
Performance diagnostics
Frequently asked questions about the performance check
Early clarification of symptoms or risk factors is the key to long-term heart health. Our cardiology practice in Düsseldorf offers you the right specialized care for every need.
The lactate test measures the lactic acid in the blood, while spiroergometry analyzes the respiratory gases. Spiroergometry is considered the "gold standard" as it also determines the maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max).
You do not have to be "fit" to be tested. The test is designed to assess your current level - regardless of the level at which it lies.
Including the preliminary discussion, exercise phase (approx. 15-20 minutes) and shower, you should allow around 75 to 90 minutes.
As the test represents a maximum load, we recommend that you do not do any more intensive training on the same day.
Private health insurance companies often cover the costs as part of sports cardiology screening. We offer attractive complete packages for self-payers.
To document progress and adjust the training zones, a rhythm of 6 to 12 months is ideal.
Performance diagnostics
Sports medicine expertise at the Neuer Stahlhof
Performance diagnostics with us means: medical safety meets sporting passion. In our ultra-modern practice in the New Stahlhof you will find the perfect conditions for your workout. After the test, you can shower in peace and quiet and then receive a well-founded analysis by PD Dr. med. Raphael Bruno. We don't just give you a table with figures, but a strategy to help you achieve your sporting goals - healthily, efficiently and with the joy of exercise.
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