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Maximal expiratory and inspiratory flow-volume curves in bilateral vocal-cord paralysis. Changes after surgical treatment and comparison with glottic resistance characteristics.

The maximal expiratory flow-volume (MEFV) and maximal inspiratory flow-volume (MIFV) curve present maximal attainable flows, plotted against the displaced volume at the mouth during a forced expiratory manoeuvre from total lung capacity (TLC) and a subsequent forced inspiratory manoeuvre from residual volume (RV), respectively. Depending on the glottic resistance characteristics, the usual flow limitation may be absent during forced expiration, drastically influencing the form of MEFV curves. During forced inspiration however, the flow remains effort-dependent. We tested this hypothesis by comparing the form of MEFV and MIFV curves, and the glottic resistance characteristics, before and after an endolaryngeal superolateralization of a vocal cord, in 12 patients with bilateral vocal-cord paralysis. Peak expiratory and inspiratory flows were estimated with the aid of the measured glottic resistance characteristics on the assumption that the maximal alveolar pressures were normal during the manoeuvres. The estimated values agreed well with measured values. The form of the MEFV and MIFV curves was also found to be closely linked to the glottic resistance characteristics. It is concluded that the MEFV and MIFV curves are sensitive indicators of flow limitation in patients with upper-airway obstructions.

Adult↗

Use of submaximal inhalation and spirometry to assess the effects of ozone exposure.

Spirometric measures of airway obstruction are strongly influenced by the neurally mediated reduction in total lung capacity that accompanies ozone exposure. This study was conducted to evaluate a method for quantifying the effects of performing spirometry from a reduced inspiratory position on measures of airway obstruction, and to apply the method to published ozone-response data. Nineteen healthy, nonsmoking adults, 18-30 yr of age, each performed 17 forced expiratory maneuvers from inspiratory volumes that ranged from functional residual capacity to total lung capacity. In general, measures of airway obstruction were related strongly to total expired volume, and approximately 80% of the ozone-induced decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1.0) resulted from the reduction in forced vital capacity. Results indicated that, for young, healthy, nonsmoking adults, spirometric values from maneuvers conducted from reduced inspiratory positions can be predicted accurately and precisely in the unexposed state, allowing interpretation of measures of ozone-induced airway obstruction.

Adolescent↗

Post-polio lung function.

Post-polio patients sometimes complain about the occurrence of breathing difficulties decades after the polio infection. We have examined 40 post-polio patients who have had respiratory or non-respiratory poliomyelitis for at least 30 years in an attempt to elucidate whether hypoventilation is common and to what extent certain symptoms and simple lung function tests are related to hypoventilation or incipient hypoventilation. We measured arterial blood gases, vital capacity (VC), maximal expiratory and inspiratory pressures (MEP, MIP) and CO2 rebreathing response. Symptoms were assessed by a yes/no questionnaire. Six patients required respiratory assistance at the onset of the disease. At present, two require nocturnal assisted ventilation. Two patients showed manifest hypoventilation; one of which required night-time ventilator, whereas the other patient had not required ventilatory assistance even at the onset of the disease. Significant correlation (p less than 0.05) was found between arterial carbon dioxide tension (a-PCO2) and VC, MEP and ventilation increase during CO2 rebreathing. A significantly higher a-PCO2 was found among those who required respiratory assistance at the onset of the disease, who admitted headache and who felt the cough ineffective. Low VC and low ventilatory increase during CO2 rebreathing and the presence of headache explained 45% of the variation in a-PCO2 in a multiple regression analysis. We conclude that manifest hypoventilation is rare in this unselected material of post-polio patients and that a vital capacity below 45-50% of predicted normal and the presence of frequent headaches indicate an increased risk to develop hypoventilation.

Adult↗

The effect of a comprehensive, intensive inpatient treatment program on lung function and exercise capacity in patients with cystic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of this investigation was to measure the effects of a 10- to 14-day comprehensive, intensive hospital treatment program on peak exercise capacity, endurance capacity, respiratory function, weight change, and maximum inspiratory and expiratory mouth pressures in patients with cystic fibrosis with a pulmonary exacerbation. SUBJECTS: Fourteen young adults with cystic fibrosis admitted to a hospital for an exacerbation of their pulmonary disease were studied. METHODS: Subjects performed pulmonary function tests, inspiratory and expiratory mouth pressure tests, and stationary bicycle exercise tests at admission and discharge. Comprehensive therapy provided during the hospital admission consisted of intravenous antibiotics, physical therapy, high-calorie diet, and daily medical review. RESULTS: The patients showed improvements in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (46%-55% of predicted values) and forced vital capacity (62%-68% of predicted values). Maximum inspiratory and expiratory mouth pressures also improved (118%-131% and 78%-92% of predicted values, respectively). There was a mean weight gain of 2 kg. Maximum work capacity on a bicycle ergometer improved from a mean of 45% to 52% of predicted values. The most impressive result was the marked increase in exercise endurance time from a mean of 9.5 minutes on admission to 16.6 minutes at discharge. CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION: This study indicates that young adults with cystic fibrosis and an exacerbation of their pulmonary disease obtain measurable benefits from a comprehensive, intensive treatment program, particularly improvement in their capacity for endurance exercise.

Adolescent↗

Firing profile of diaphragm single motor unit during hypercapnia and airway occlusion.

To define interaction between chemical and vagal-volume feedback we recorded diaphragm single motor unit (SMU) potentials, tracheal pressure, and end-tidal CO2 in spontaneously breathing, anesthetized cats during hypercapnia and during airway occlusion at functional residual capacity (FRC) or end-inspiratory level (EIL) before and after vagotomy. Hypercapnia increased onset, mean, and peak firing frequencies of early-onset SMUs, caused no change in number of spikes per breath (NSPB), and decreased inspiratory burst duration (Tdi). Airway occlusion increased both NSPB and Tdi without changing onset or mean frequencies. NSPB and Tdi increased more during FRC occlusion than during EIL occlusion. Vagotomy caused effects similar to airway occlusion, except that onset frequency decreased. Increases in NSPB or Tdi following vagotomy were greater than those during FRC occlusion. After vagotomy, airway occlusion no longer altered SMU activity, but hypercapnia still increased onset, mean, and peak frequencies, caused no change in NSPB, and decreased Tdi. New findings in this study are 1) the constancy in NSPB of diaphragm SMUs in response to hypercapnia and 2) the decrease in the onset frequency after vagotomy.

Airway Obstruction↗

[Restrictive lung disease].

It was found that functional residual capacity (FRC) invariably decreased during inspiratory elastic loaded breathing and that its magnitude increased progressively with an increase in the intensity of the load. This response could not be explained by chemoreflexes nor neural reflexes. Because the sensation of dyspnea decreased at lowered FRC (FRC-0.5 liter) than that at FRC during elastic loading, we speculate that FRC decreased behaviorally during elastic loading to reduce the sensation of dyspnea. We found that the respiratory muscle became fatigued more easily at FRC than at lowered FRC during elastic loading. We therefore conclude that the decrease in FRC may be one of the compensatory mechanisms during elastic loaded breathing.

Functional Residual Capacity↗

[Response of tidal volume to inspiratory time ratio during incremental exercise].

OBJECTIVE: There is some debate about the participation of the Hering-Breuer reflex during exercise in human beings. This study aimed to investigate breathing pattern response during an incremental exercise test with a cycle ergometer. Participation of the Hering-Breuer reflex in the control of breathing was to be indirectly investigated by analyzing the ratio of tidal volume (VT) to inspiratory time (tI). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The 9 active subjects who participated the study followed an incremental protocol on a cycle ergometer until peak criteria were reached. During exercise, VT/ti can be described in 2 phases, separated by activation of the Hering-Breuer reflex (inspiratory off-switch threshold). In phase 1, ventilation increases because VT increases, resulting in a slight decrease in tI, whereas, in phase 2, increased ventilation is due to both an increase in VT and a decrease in tI. RESULTS: The mean (SD) inspiratory off-switch threshold was 84.6% (6.3%) when expressed relative to peak VT (mean, 3065 [566.8] mL) and 48% (7.2%) relative to the forced vital capacity measured by resting spirometry. The inspiratory off-switch threshold correlated positively (r=0.93) with the second ventilatory threshold, or respiratory compensation point. CONCLUSIONS: The inspiratory off-switch threshold and VT/ti are directly related to one another. The inspiratory off-switch threshold was related to the second ventilatory threshold, suggesting that the Hering-Breuer reflex participates in control of the breathing pattern during exercise. Activation of the reflex could contribute by signaling the respiratory centers to change the breathing pattern.

Adult↗

Endurance training-induced increases in expiratory muscle oxidative capacity.

Recent evidence demonstrates that endurance exercise training improves the oxidative capacity of the major mammalian inspiratory muscle (e.g., costal diaphragm). In contrast, no data exist concerning the effects of exercise training on abdominal expiratory muscles. We tested the hypothesis that 12 wk of endurance exercise training would significantly increase the activity of selected beta oxidation and Krebs cycle enzymes of abdominal expiratory muscles of the rat. To test this hypothesis two groups of female Sprague-Dawley rats were studied: group 1, continuous exercise training (n = 13); and group 2, sedentary control (n = 6). Exercise trained animals ran 5 d.wk-1 on a motorized treadmill for 45 min.d-1 at approximately 75-80% VO2max. When compared with controls, exercise training resulted in elevated (P less than 0.05) activities of 3-hydroxy-acyl-Co-A dehydrogenase (HADH) and citrate synthase (CS) in two abdominal expiratory muscles (rectus abdominus and external obliques). In contrast, training did not alter (P greater than 0.05) CS or HADH activity in the internal obliques/transversus abdominus muscles. In general, the training-induced increases in expiratory muscles CS activity were relatively small (approximately 10-13%) when compared with the training-induced increase in CS activity in the plantaris muscle (approximately 44%). These data demonstrate that continuous exercise training results in small but statistically significant improvements in the oxidative and beta oxidation capacities of expiratory muscles.

3-Hydroxyacyl CoA Dehydrogenases↗

Effect of abdominal compression on maximum transdiaphragmatic pressure.

Transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdi) is lower during maximum inspiratory effort with the diaphragm alone than when maximum inspiratory and expulsive efforts are combined. The increase in Pdi with expulsive effort has been attributed to increased neural activation of the diaphragm. Alternatively, the increase could be due to stretching of the contracted diaphragm. If this were so, Pdi measured during a combined maximum effort would overestimate the capacity of the diaphragm to generate inspiratory force. This study determined the likely contribution of stretching of the contracted diaphragm to estimates of maximum Pdi (Pdimax) obtained during combined inspiratory and expulsive effort. Three healthy trained subjects were studied standing. Diaphragmatic Mueller maneuvers were performed at functional residual capacity and sustained during subsequent abdominal compression by either abdominal muscle expulsive effort or externally applied pressure. Measurements were made of changes in abdominal (Pab) and pleural (Ppl) pressure, Pdi, rib cage and abdominal dimensions and respiratory electromyograms. Three reproducible performances of each maneuver from each subject were analyzed. When expulsive effort was added to maximum diaphragmatic inspiratory effort, Pdimax increased from 86 +/- 12 to 148 +/- 14 (SD) cmH2O within the 1st s and was 128 +/- 14 cmH2O 2 s later. When external compression was added to maximum diaphragmatic inspiratory effort, Pdimax increased from 87 +/- 16 to 171 +/- 19 cmH2O within the 1st s and was 152 +/- 16 cmH2O 2 s later.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Abdomen↗

Breathing strategy in master athletes and untrained elderly subjects according to the incremental protocol.

To analyze the influence of step-duration protocol (1 vs. 3 min) on breathing strategy according to the physical fitness of healthy elderly subjects, this study compared the ventilatory responses and exercise tidal flow-volume loops (ETFVL) at the first and second ventilatory thresholds (VT(1) and VT(2)). Nineteen master athletes (mean age (+/- SD), 63.1 +/- 3.2 y; (.)VO(2)(max), 41.5 mL x (min x kg)(-1)) and 8 untrained elderly subjects (age, 65.5 +/- 2.3 y; (.)VO(2)(max), 25.8 mL x (min x kg)(-1)) performed 2 exhaustive exercise tests on a cycle ergometer. In untrained subjects, at VT(1) and VT(2), no significant difference was measured in ventilatory responses and ETFVL between protocols. Master athletes, at VT(2), presented a significantly higher (.)VCO(2) (P < 0.01), ventilation ((.)VE; P < 0.01), breathing frequency (f(b); P < 0.05), tidal volume relative to inspiratory capatcity (V(t)/IC) (P < 0.01),V(t) relative to forced vital capacity (V(t)/FVC; P < 0.05), and lower inspiratory reserve volume relative to FVC (IRV/FVC; P < 0.01) during the 1 min protocol than during the 3 min protocol. Master athletes, at maximal exercise, expressed significantly higher (.)VCO(2) (P < 0.01) and dyspnea (P < 0.05) with the shorter protocol. We concluded that, in untrained subjects, neither incremental exercise test had an impact on respiratory responses during exercise. Nevertheless, in master athletes, breathing strategy seems to be protocol dependent. The short test induced higher mechanical ventilatory constraints and dyspneic feeling than the long protocol, which could be explained by a higher (.)VE itself linked to a greater (.)VCO(2) and a higher blood lactate concentration.

Aged↗

Effect of asbestos-related pleural fibrosis on excursion of the lower chest wall and diaphragm.

To examine mechanisms responsible for reduced lung volumes (restriction) in asbestos-related pleural fibrosis (APF), we studied diaphragm function and lower rib-cage excursion in 26 subjects with previous asbestos exposure and no evidence of asbestosis. Using posteroanterior (PA) and lateral chest radiographs taken at residual volume and at 25%, 70%, and 100% vital capacity (VC) during a slow inspiratory maneuver, we measured fractional expansion of the lower rib cage (FErc), fractional shortening of the diaphragm (FSdi), and changes (Delta) in diaphragm dome height (Hdo) and subphrenic volume (Vdi). Vdi was estimated by measuring the major and minor axes of the subphrenic space at 1-cm intervals, assuming an elliptical cross-sectional shape, and correcting for the volume of spinal and paraspinal tissues. Seven subjects had no evidence of APF (control), 12 had pleural plaques (PP), and seven had diffuse pleural thickening with costophrenic obliteration (DPT). Over the range of VC, results (mean +/- SEM, normalized for height) in control subjects were VC = 101.2 +/- 4.0 % predicted and DeltaVdi = 326 +/- 8 ml/m(3), and for the right hemithorax and hemidiaphragm on the PA film, FErc = 0.07 +/- 0.02, FSdi = 0.32 +/- 0.02 and DeltaHdo = 0.8 +/- 0.2 cm/m. Relative to controls: DPT subjects had reduced VC (77.4 +/- 4.9%, p < 0.01), DeltaVdi (256 +/- 2 ml/m(3), p < 0.01), FErc (0.01 +/- 0.02, p < 0.01), FSdi (0.24 +/- 0.01, p < 0.001), and DeltaHdo (-0.9 +/- 0.06 cm/m, p < 0.01); PP subjects had reduced FSdi (0.25 +/- 0.01, p < 0.001) and DeltaVdi (233 +/- 47 ml/m(3), p < 0.01), and no difference in FErc, DeltaHdo, or VC. We conclude that restriction in DPT is due to obliteration of the zone of apposition, and that by limiting separation of the diaphragm from the rib cage during inspiration, this reduces volume contributed by motion of the diaphragm and lower rib cage. Reduction in the latter contribution was the main cause of restriction, because the reduction in volume contributed by the diaphragm was partly compensated by flattening of its dome.

Asbestos↗

Reproducibility of twitch mouth pressure, sniff nasal inspiratory pressure, and maximal inspiratory pressure.

Twitch mouth pressure (Pmo,tw) during magnetic phrenic nerve stimulation and sniff nasal inspiratory pressure (SNIP) were recently proposed as alternative noninvasive methods for assessing inspiratory muscle strength. This study aimed to compare their reproducibility with maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) in normal subjects. Ten healthy subjects were studied at functional residual capacity in semirecumbent position. Cervical magnetic phrenic nerve stimulation was performed during gentle expiration against an occlusion incorporating a small leak. Constancy of stimulation was controlled by recording diaphragmatic electromyogram. Within and between-session reproducibility of pressure were studied for Pmo,tw, SNIP, and MIP. The subjects were studied during a session of 10 manoeuvres repeated after 1 day and 1 month. The mean values were 16 cmH2O for Pmo,tw, 118 cmH2O for SNIP, and 115 cmH2O for MIP. For the three tests, the within subject variation was small in relation to between-subject variation, with the intraclass correlation coefficient ranging 0.79-0.90 for Pmo,tw, 0.85-0.92 for SNIP, and 0.88-0.92 for MIP. At 1 day interval, the coefficient of repeatability (2 SD of differences) was 3.6 cmH2O for Pmo,tw, 32 cmH2O for SNIP and 28 cmH2O for MIP. At 1 month interval, the coefficient of repeatability was 5.8 cmH2O for Pmo,tw, 23 cmH2O for SNIP and 21 cmH2O for MIP. We conclude that the within session reproducibility of the new tests twitch mouth pressure and sniff nasal inspiratory pressure is sufficient to be clinically useful. For sniff nasal inspiratory pressure, the between session reproducibility established after 1 day was maintained after 1 month. For twitch mouth pressure, the between session reproducibility declined slightly after 1 month. These characteristics should be considered when using these methods to follow an individual patient over time.

Adult↗

Influence of high molecular dextrans on lung function in an ex vivo porcine lung model.

BACKGROUND: Extracellular preservation solutions utilizing high molecular agents can reduce intracellular edema during ischemia/reperfusion in lung transplantation. A solution of 40,000 dalton molecular weight (DMW) has already been clinically established (Perfadex). However, it is unclear whether dextrans of this particular size represent the optimal additive for lung preservation solutions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a new ex vivo porcine lung model, lungs were each preserved with low-potassium solutions containing 5% dextran with 90,000 DMW (Dex 90) and 160,000 DMW (Dex 160) and with Perfadex (40,000 DMW). After 24 h of cold ischemia, reperfusion was performed employing a roller pump with a pulsatile module. Lungs were perfused with deoxygenated perfusate and ventilated with room air. The oxygenation capacity (Delta pO(2)), peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), and mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) were monitored for 60 min. Net weight gain (NWG) and wet-to-dry ratio (W/D ratio) were determined. Free-radical generation was assessed by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) at 10, 30, and 50 min. RESULTS: PIP and PAP increased in all groups significantly during reperfusion. However, Dex 160-perfused lungs exhibited significantly higher values than those with Dex 90 and Perfadex. Perfadex showed the highest Delta pO(2) throughout the entire reperfusion, while Delta pO(2) was slightly reduced in Dex 160 and significantly lower in Dex 90. In Perfadex the lowest water content was observed assessed by NWG and W/D ratio. The highest MDA values were observed in Dex 90, followed by Dex 160, while the lowest values were seen in Perfadex. CONCLUSIONS: Preservation of the lung with Perfadex exhibited superior postischemic function in contrast to preservation solutions containing dextrans with a higher molecular weight.

Animals↗

Reduction pneumoplasty versus respiratory rehabilitation in severe emphysema: a randomized study. Pulmonary Emphysema Research Group.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to determine in a prospective randomized trial the independent short-term physiologic impact of reduction pneumoplasty (RP) on respiratory rehabilitation (RR). METHODS: Sixty patients eligible for RP were randomly selected by computer to receive either RP (n = 30) or comprehensive RR (n = 30). Pulmonary function tests, analysis of blood gas levels, measurement of respiratory muscle strength (maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and incremental treadmill test (ITT), were performed at baseline and at 3 and 6 months. RESULTS: Two treatment-related deaths occurred after RP and one after RR. At 6 months dyspnea index, maximal inspiratory pressure, 6MWT, ITT, and PaO2 were significantly improved in both groups whereas forced expiratory volume in 1 second and residual volume were significantly improved only in the surgical arm. In addition at 6 months, dyspnea index, 6MWT, maximal ITT, and PaO2 improved significantly more after RP than after RR. CONCLUSIONS: In our study short-term improvements in dyspnea index, oxygenation, inspiratory muscle strength, and exercise capacity occurred after either RP and RR. However dyspnea index, PaO2, and exercise capacity improved more after RP than after RR whereas pulmonary function improved only after RP.

Aged↗

The cost/benefits of outpatient-based pulmonary rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcomes of an inexpensive outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation program for stable patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). DESIGN: Before-and-after trial. SETTING: Private, ambulatory setting with carryover to the home. PATIENTS: Forty-six stable COPD patients, from 45 to 80 years of age. INTERVENTIONS: A pulmonary rehabilitation program consisting of education, training, group therapy, and an individualized regimen of home-based extremity and inspiratory muscle exercise with weekly ambulatory sessions over a 10-week period. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Symptom-limited oxygen consumption (SLVO2), distance walked in 12 minutes (12 MW), dyspnea, endurance, forced expiratory volumes, minute ventilation (MV), changes in heart rate and blood pressure, and inspiratory muscle work tolerance (IMWT). RESULTS: There were significant increases (p < .05) in SLVO2, 12 MW, inspiratory muscle and bicycle work capacity, and forced vital capacity (FVC). The sensation of dyspnea significantly decreased during the performance of activities of daily living (ADL) (p < .05). There was no significant change in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1). The cost of the 10 outpatient sessions was $650. CONCLUSIONS: An inexpensive outpatient/home-based pulmonary rehabilitation program provided largely by a specifically trained therapist under physician supervision can significantly improve parameters associated with quality of life for patients with COPD.

Aged↗

[Effects of nasal continuous positive airway pressure on lung function in patients with sleep obstructive apnea syndrome].

Sixty-one patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), 26 of whom also had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), received treatment by nasal continuous positive airways pressure (nCPAP). To evaluate the effects of this device on daytime lung function, we analyzed pulmonary function tests before treatment with nCPAP and after a mean follow-up period of 12 months (range: 2-22 months). In patients with both OSAS and COPD, we observed a significant decrease in PaCO2 (p < 0.007), in airways resistance (p < 0.002) and in residual volume (p < 0.01); for these same patients we recorded increases in forced vital capacity (p < 0.04) and maximum inspiratory pressure (p < 0.02). We saw no change in lung function in patients with OSAS only. PaO2 increased after treatment in the 15 patients who were initially hypoxemic (p < 0.001). We conclude that after treatment with nCPAP, the greatest changes in respiratory function occur in patients with both OSAS and COPD, who also experience slight decrease in body weight. These changes may be explained by a decrease in auto-PEEP and weight loss.

Adult↗

Frequency sweep electromyogram and voluntary effort in volunteers after d-tubocurarine.

A new method for monitoring the effect of muscle relaxants on the myoneural junction was tested in unanesthetized volunteers. Evoked electromyographic responses to stimulation, sweeping exponentially from 1 to 100 Hz over 10 seconds, were recorded from the hand and abdominal muscles. d-Tubocurarine (dTc) was given intravenously in incremental doses until head lift was abolished. Thumb twitch tension, vital capacity, peak expiratory flow, maximal inspiratory force, and hand grip strength were recorded during partial paralysis and recovery. The frequency sweep electromyogram (FS-EMG) of the musculus rectus abdominis was more depressed than the FS-EMG of the musculus abductor digiti V at the time head lift was abolished. The abdominal muscle recovered faster from dTc paralysis than did the hand muscle. The latter failed to respond normally to the highest frequencies of stimulation during the entire period of observation lasting 72 minutes after dTc injection. At the time of maximal neuromuscular blockade, respiratory function showed less depression than the FS-EMG of the abdominal muscle.

Abdomen↗

Prediction of peak oxygen uptake in men using pulmonary and hemodynamic variables during exercise.

PURPOSE: Many attempts have been made to predict peak VO2 from data obtained at rest or submaximal exercise. Predictive submaximal tests using the heart rate (HR) response have limited accuracy. Some tests incorporate submaximal gas exchange data, but a predictive test without gas exchange measurements would be of benefit. Addition of stroke volume and pulmonary function (PF) measurements might increase the predictability of a submaximal exercise test. METHODS: In this study, an incremental exercise test (10 W x min(-1)) was performed in 30 healthy men of various habitual activity levels. Step-wise multiple regression analysis was used to isolate the most important predictor variables of peak VO2 from a set of measurements of PF: lung volumes, diffusion capacity, airway resistance, and maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressures; gas exchange; minute ventilation (V(E)), tidal volume (V(T)), respiratory exchange ratio (RER = carbon dioxide output divided by VO2); and hemodynamics (HR, stroke index (SI) = stroke volume/body surface area, and mean arterial pressure). These measurements were made at rest and during submaximal exercise. RESULTS: Using the set of PF variables (expressed as percentages of predicted), FEV1 explained 30% of the variance of peak VO2. No other PF variables were predictive. After addition of resting hemodynamic data, SI was included in the prediction equation, raising the predictability to 40%. At the 60-W exercise level, 48% of the variance in peak VO2 could be explained by SI and FEV1. At 150 W, the prediction increased to 81%. At this level VCO2/O2 (RER) also entered the prediction equation of peak VO2: 6.44 x FEV1(%) + 13.0 x SI - 1921 x RER + 2380 (SE = 142 mL x min(-1) x m(-2), P < 0.0001). Leaving out the gas exchange variable RER, maximally 64% of the variance in peak VO2 could be explained. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, inclusion of pulmonary function and hemodynamic measurements could improve the prediction accuracy of a submaximal exercise test. The submaximal exercise test should be performed until a level of 150 W is reached. Noninvasive stroke volume measurements by means of EIC have additional value to measurement of HR alone. Finally, measurement of gas exchange significantly improves the predictability of peak VO2.

Adult↗