Abstract
We previously observed an increase in minute ventilation (V̇E) with resistive unloading (He-O2 breathing) in healthy elderly subjects with normal pulmonary function. To investigate the effects of resistive unloading in elderly subjects with mild chronic airflow limitation (FEV1/FVC: 61 ± 4%), we studied 10 elderly men and women 70 ± 3 yr of age. These subjects performed graded cycle ergometry to exhaustion, once breathing room air and once breathing a He-O2 gas mixture (79% He, 21% O2). V̇E, pulmonary mechanics, and PETCO2 were measured during each 1-min increment in work rate. Data were analyzed by paired t test at rest, at ventilator/threshold (VTh), and during maximal exercise. V̇E was significantly (p < 0.05) increased at VTh (3.4 ± 4.0 L/min or 12 ± 15% increase) and maximal exercise (15.2 ± 9.7 L/min or 22 ± 13% increase) while breathing He-O2. Concomitant to the increase in V̇E, PETCO2 was decreased at all levels (p < 0.01), whereas total work of breathing against the lung was not different. We concluded that V̇E is increased during He-O2 breathing because of resistive unloading of the airways and the maintenance of the relationship between the work of breathing and exercise work rate.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1128-1134 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine |
Volume | 163 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2001 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
- Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine