Effects of dead space loading on neuro-muscular and neuro-ventilatory coupling of the respiratory system during exercise in healthy adults: Implications for dyspnea and exercise tolerance

Abstract: We examined the effects of dead space loading (DSL) on ventilation , neural respiratory drive (EMGdi%max, diaphragm EMG expressed as a % of maximal EMGdi), contractile respiratory muscle effort (Pes,tidal%PImax, tidal esophageal pressure swing expressed as a % of maximal inspiratory Pes) and exertional dyspnea intensity ratings in 11 healthy adults with normal spirometry. Subjects completed, in random order, symptom-limited incremental cycle exercise tests under control (CTRL) and DSL (500ml) conditions. Compared with CTRL, DSL decreased exercise tolerance by 20–25%; increased exertional dyspnea intensity ratings in direct proportion to concurrent increases in EMGdi%max, Pes,tidal%PImax and ; and had little/no effect on the inter-relationships between EMGdi%max, Pes,tidal%PImax and during exercise. In conclusion, DSL was associated with an earlier onset of intolerable dyspnea; however, neuro-muscular and neuro-ventilatory coupling of the respiratory system remained relatively preserved during exercise in the presence of an increased external dead space. Under these circumstances, DSL-induced increases in exertional dyspnea intensity ratings reflected, at least in part, the awareness of increased neural respiratory drive, contractile respiratory muscle effort and ventilatory output. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]