Conclusion
CPET is a valid, accessible, non-invasive and easily repeatable method
of functional diagnostics, which is applicable in childhood to determine
the functional capacity of the organism of the subject and to detect the
causes of reduced exercise tolerance. Pectus excavatum is a frequent
deformity of the chest (especially in the male population) and the
functional obstacles in the tolerance of physical exertion are
frequently attributed to persons with this deformity. Understanding the
pathophysiological context in patients with PE should lead to the
discovery of the real impact of the deformity on the overall health of
the patient and should guide the decision on therapeutic interventions.
When conducting future studies in patients with PE, it is appropriate to
compare their CPET parameters with equally active healthy controls to
distinguish changes that are attributable to deformity and those that
are due to other physical activity. The appropriateness of using the
OUES parameter to assess the relationship of deformity to physical
condition and performance should be supported by other independent
observations as well as observations in patients with PE with respect to
normal weekly physical activity. In order to develop knowledge of the
body’s adaptation to stress and the impact of this adaptation on CPET
parameters, it is necessary to evaluate in the future not only
performance parameters but also regeneration parameters (e.g. pulse
regeneration, respiratory regeneration) and also focus on new parameters
such as respiratory patterns or the character of flow limitation.