Inspiratory and Expiratory Resistances During Exercise

Abstract

Aims: Paradoxical vocal fold motion, especially during exercise, causes symptoms of dyspnea in patients experiencing this condition. At present, the standard means to diagnose this condition is invasive using a laryngoscope. The Airflow Perturbation Device (APD) could offer a simpler means of diagnosis and monitoring, but the APD must be validated with laryngoscopy. Both devices require access to the mouth, and so cannot be used simultaneously. The aim of this study was to determine if respiratory resistance of exercising subjects changes immediately after exercise begins and ends. Study Design: The study was conducted as a prospective study. Place and Duration of Study: All tests were conducted in the Human Performance Laboratory, Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD between August 2011 and August 2012. Methodology: Fifteen subjects exercised on a bicycle ergometer at 70% of maximum predicted heart rate while breathing through the APD. Results: Results show that APD measurements made just prior and after the cessation of exercise are comparable. Conclusion: APD measured inspiration and expiration resistances do not change immediately after exercise cessation.