Introduction: The Talk Test (TT) has been shown to be associated with intensities within ACSM guidelines for exercise training and very close to the intensities associated with ventilatory threshold (VT). While maximal stress testing postcoronary revascularization is not widely practiced, using the TT provides a practical alternative for the creation of target heart rates.

Objective: To evaluate the TT relative to providing objective outcomes for program evaluation, outcome documentation and discharge communication in Phase II Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR).

Methods: CR patients (n = 8) completed pre- and postevaluation of functional capacity (FC) using TT. FC is defined as the ending point of the submaximal assessment designated by patient response during the TT of equivocal (+/-) while reading of a standard paragraph at the end of each stage of a standard exercise protocol. The authors compared responses using the +/- stage of the preassessment versus values at the same intensity during an exit evaluation from CR. The outcomes at +/- TT are defined by METs, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), rate pressure product (RPP), and systolic blood pressure (SBP).

Results: The metabolic equivalent (METs) at +/- TT pre vs post CR (4.2 +/- 1.5 vs 5.9 +/- 1.8) were significantly (P<.05) changed, as was RPE (14/20 +/- 0.9 vs 10.8/20 +/-1.4), SBP (134 +/- 12 vs 96 +/- 10 bpm), and RPP (14.2 +/- 3.7 vs 13.0 +/- 3.4 bpm x mm Hg x 10^-3) when compared to pre CR +/- TT intensities.

Conclusion: The TT provides an excellent method for outcomes documentation, for demonstrating increased functional capacity and reflecting decreased overall workload of the cardiovascular system submaximal exercise in CR patients.