Final answer:
Other criteria to determine peak effort in a graded exercise test include the Rating of Perceived Exertion, VO2 max plateau, and blood lactate levels. Expected results require rigorous verification but unexpected results may demand even stricter evaluation to rule out errors.
Step-by-step explanation:
During a graded exercise test, criteria other than the primary physiological measures like heart rate can be used to indicate the attainment of a true peak or maximal effort. For instance, the Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) is a subjective method to assess physical exertion levels and it might be utilized, especially when medication or other factors affect heart rate measurements. Other indicators might include observing the plateauing of oxygen uptake (VO2 max), levels of blood lactate, or a specific percentage of the predicted maximum heart rate.
In general, the criteria for a measurement or observation will vary depending on whether the result is expected or unexpected. For an unexpected result, the evaluation may be more stringent to rule out errors or anomalies. However, this does not mean that expected results are not subjected to rigorous verification as well; they too must meet established standards of reliability and validity.