Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2026

Improving Strength, Power, Muscle Aerobic Capacity, and Glucose Tolerance through Short-term Progressive Strength Training Among Elderly People
Published on: July 5, 2017
Short-term modulation of the exercise ventilatory response in older men
Helen E Wood1, Gordon S Mitchell, Tony G Babb
1Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, and University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center-Dallas, 7232 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231, United States. helen.wood@kcl.ac.uk
Abstract:
During exercise with added dead space (DS), the exercise ventilatory response (DeltaV(E)/ DeltaV(CO(2))) is augmented in younger men, via short-term modulation (STM) of the exercise ventilatory response. We hypothesized that STM would be diminished or absent in older men due to age-related changes in respiratory function and ventilatory control. Men were studied at rest and during cycle exercise with and without added DS. DeltaV(E)/ DeltaV(CO(2)) increased progressively with increasing DS volume (p<0.01), such that CO(2) was not retained with added DS versus without. Hence, the increase in DeltaV(E)/ DeltaV(CO(2)) was not due to increased chemoreceptor feedback from rest to exercise. Increasing exercise intensity diminished the DeltaV(E)/ DeltaV(CO(2)) (p<0.01), and the size of this effect varied by DS volume (p<0.05). We conclude that STM of the exercise ventilatory response is robust in older men; hence, despite age-related changes in lung function and ventilatory control, the exercise ventilatory response can still adapt to increased DS, in order to maintain isocapnia during exercise relative to rest.
Related Concept Videos
Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation
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...
Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be met...
Factors Affecting Respiration
Respiratory Capacities
One key metric is the Inspiratory Capacity (IC), which represents the maximum amount of air that can be inhaled with full effort. IC is calculated by summing the tidal volume and inspiratory reserve volume, typically ranging from 2.4 to 3.6 liters.
The Functional Residual Capacity (FRC) represents the air in the...

