The present invention relates to methods and devices for testing the physical condition of an individual. The methods and devices rely on the use of a marker of physical condition, and have applications including determining an individuals state of physical recovery from prior physical or athletic activity, determining an individuals physiological readiness for optimal physical performance, determining changes in the risk of (or for assessing progression of) cardiovascular disease in an individual, and for determining exercise and/or athletic training instructions for an individual based on their recovery state, physiological readiness to perform, and/or their cardiovascular disease risk status. The methods and devices require a comparison between the rate of increase in heart rate of an individual during a sub-maximal physical activity, and a predetermined reference measurement. A rate of increase in heart rate which is faster or slower than the predetermined reference measurement will allow determination of the individuals recovery state, physiological readiness to perform, and/or their cardiovascular disease risk status.
