Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Ventilatory Modes

Ventilatory Modes

Mechanical ventilators are life-saving devices that support or replace spontaneous breathing. They deliver breaths to patients through varying methods known as ventilator modes. Understanding these modes is critical for healthcare providers managing patients with respiratory failure.
There are three ventilatory modes: full support, partial support, and spontaneous. These are described below.
Full Support Modes
Full support modes include controlled mechanical ventilation, continuous mandatory...

Assessment of Ventilation II: Respiratory Depth and Rhythm

Assessment of Ventilation II: Respiratory Depth and Rhythm

Respiratory Depth
Respiratory depth measures the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during a breath. It can vary from shallow to deep and typically remains consistent when a person is at rest or asleep. Occasionally, individuals will automatically inhale deeply, known as sighing, which inflates the lungs with more air than normal breathing.
To assess respiratory depth, observe the degree of chest excursion or movement:

Assessment of Ventilation I: Respiratory Rate

Assessment of Ventilation I: Respiratory Rate

Assessment of Ventilation
A Ventilation assessment is critical for monitoring a patient's health status. Respiration, one of the most accessible vital signs, provides insights into the function of numerous body systems and can indicate serious health issues, such as brainstem injuries from head trauma.
Critical Guidelines for Assessing Ventilation:

Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation

Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation

Besides the pressure difference between the external environment and the lungs, the airflow rate and ease of pulmonary ventilation are also influenced by three other factors: surface tension of the fluid in the alveoli, compliance of the lungs, and airway resistance.
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...

Mechanical Ventilation I: Indication and Settings

Mechanical Ventilation I: Indication and Settings

Mechanical ventilation is a life-saving technique for managing acute respiratory failure and other respiratory complications. The process involves using a machine known as a ventilator to supply oxygen to the lungs and assist in removing carbon dioxide. It serves as a bridge to long-term mechanical ventilation or a temporary measure until ventilatory support is discontinued. The ventilator can maintain this function for a prolonged period, providing critical support for patients until they can...

Exercise and Cardiac Output

Exercise and Cardiac Output

Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health, with aerobic exercises being particularly effective. According to the American Heart Association, 150 minutes of moderate to intense aerobic exercise per week is recommended for a healthy heart. Aerobic activities may include brisk walking, running, bicycling, cross-country skiing, and swimming, ideally performed three to five times per week.
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be met...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Durability of pulmonary vein isolation: Does the pulsed field ablation system matter?

Heart rhythm·2026

Same author

Right ventricular dysfunction in patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation: Prevalence and functional implications.

Heart rhythm·2026

Same author

Using Atrial Cardiomyopathy Metrics to Characterize Atrial Fibrillation in Endurance Athletes.

JACC. Clinical electrophysiology·2026

Same author

Cardiac resynchronization therapy with or without atrioventricular node ablation in atrial fibrillation: the CAAN-AF trial.

European heart journal·2026

Same author

Heart failure related cardiotoxicity in breast cancer survivors: a scoping review.

Cardio-oncology (London, England)·2025

Same author

Aggressive Risk Factor Reduction Study for Atrial Fibrillation Implications for Ablation Outcomes: The ARREST-AF Randomized Clinical Trial.

JAMA cardiology·2025

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Investigation into Deep Breathing through Measurement of Ventilatory Parameters and Observation of Breathing Patterns

Investigation into Deep Breathing through Measurement of Ventilatory Parameters and Observation of Breathing Patterns

Published on: September 16, 2019

An examination of exercise mode on ventilatory patterns during incremental exercise.

Adrian D Elliott¹, Fergal Grace

¹School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey KT1 2EE, UK. adrian.elliott@hotmail.com

European Journal of Applied Physiology

|June 18, 2010

Summary

Cycle ergometry and treadmill exercise elicit different breathing strategies and ventilatory efficiency in trained individuals. Exercise mode impacts how the cardiopulmonary system responds to maximal stress.

More Related Videos

Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Wearable Devices to Identify Central Versus Peripheral Limitations During Exercise

Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Wearable Devices to Identify Central Versus Peripheral Limitations During Exercise

Published on: December 19, 2024

Assessment of Pulmonary Capillary Blood Volume, Membrane Diffusing Capacity, and Intrapulmonary Arteriovenous Anastomoses During Exercise

Assessment of Pulmonary Capillary Blood Volume, Membrane Diffusing Capacity, and Intrapulmonary Arteriovenous Anastomoses During Exercise

Published on: February 20, 2017

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Investigation into Deep Breathing through Measurement of Ventilatory Parameters and Observation of Breathing Patterns

Investigation into Deep Breathing through Measurement of Ventilatory Parameters and Observation of Breathing Patterns

Published on: September 16, 2019

Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Wearable Devices to Identify Central Versus Peripheral Limitations During Exercise

Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Wearable Devices to Identify Central Versus Peripheral Limitations During Exercise

Published on: December 19, 2024

Assessment of Pulmonary Capillary Blood Volume, Membrane Diffusing Capacity, and Intrapulmonary Arteriovenous Anastomoses During Exercise

Assessment of Pulmonary Capillary Blood Volume, Membrane Diffusing Capacity, and Intrapulmonary Arteriovenous Anastomoses During Exercise

Published on: February 20, 2017

Area of Science:

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing
Exercise physiology
Respiratory mechanics

Background:

Cycle ergometry and treadmill exercise are common methods for assessing cardiopulmonary function under metabolic stress.
Differences in breathing strategies and ventilatory efficiency between these exercise modes are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate breathing strategies, ventilatory efficiency, and ventilatory capacity during incremental cycling versus treadmill exercise.
To determine if exercise mode influences cardiopulmonary responses during maximal exercise.

Main Methods:

Nine healthy subjects underwent spirometry and maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing on a cycle ergometer and treadmill in a randomized crossover design.
Continuous monitoring of respiratory gases and volumes using an online gas analysis system.

Main Results:

Cycling exercise utilized a larger portion of ventilatory capacity and higher tidal volumes at similar ventilation levels.
Mean inspiratory flow rate was higher during cycling, without changes in inspiratory timing.
Ventilatory efficiency, indicated by lower V(E)/VCO₂slope and lowest V(E)/VCO₂ values, was greater during cycling compared to treadmill exercise.

Conclusions:

Distinct breathing strategies and greater ventilatory efficiency are observed during cycle ergometry compared to treadmill exercise in young, trained individuals.
Exercise mode is a critical factor to consider when evaluating breathing patterns and ventilatory efficiency during incremental exercise testing.