Estimation of ventilatory capacity during submaximal exercise

T. G. Babb, J. R. Rodarte

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

33 Scopus citations

Abstract

There is presently no precise way to determine ventilatory capacity for a given individual during exercise; however, this information would be helpful in evaluating ventilatory reserve during exercise. Using schematic representations of maximal expiratory flow-volume curves and individual maximal expiratory flow-volume curves from four subjects, we describe a technique for estimating ventilatory capacity. In these subjects, we measured maximal expiratory flow-volume loops at rest and tidal flow-volume loops and inspiratory capacity (IC) during submaximal cycle ergometry. We also compared minute ventilation (V̇E) during submaximal exercise with calculated ventilatory maxima (V̇E(max Cal)) and with maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) to estimate ventilatory reserve. Using the schematic flow-volume curves, we demonstrated the theoretical effect of maximal expiratory flow and lung volume on ventilatory capacity and breathing pattern. In the subjects, we observed that the estimation of ventilatory reserve with use of V̇E/V̇E(max Cal) was most helpful in indicating when subjects were approaching maximal expiratory flow over a large portion of tidal volume, especially at submaximal exercise levels where V̇E/V̇E(max Cal) and V̇E/MVV differed the most. These data suggest that this technique may be useful in estimating ventilatory capacity, which could then be used to evaluate ventilatory reserve during exercise.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2016-2022
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of applied physiology
Volume74
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 1993

Keywords

  • airflow limitation
  • breathing pattern
  • lung mechanics
  • lung volumes
  • maximal ventilation
  • ventilatory reserve

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physiology
  • Physiology (medical)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Estimation of ventilatory capacity during submaximal exercise'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this