This research examines how positive expiratory pressure affects breathing patterns and chest wall volumes during exercise in COPD patients.
Measured dyspnea levels during cycle exercise
Assessed chest wall volumes
Analyzed exercise tolerance metrics
Increased dyspnea reported during exercise
Higher thoracoabdominal asynchrony observed
No significant improvement in dyspnea handled during exercise
Abstract
The use of EPAP during exercise in subjects with COPD tended to increase dyspnea, increase TAA, and reduce exercise tolerance without significant improvement in DH.