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[A visual analog scale of exercise dyspnea]
A Loiseau1, C Dubreuil, J C Pujet
1INSERM U 82, Faculté Xavier Bichat, Paris.
Revue Des Maladies Respiratoires
|January 1, 1990
Summary
A new visual analogue scale (VAS) reliably measures the sensation of breathlessness during exercise tests. This tool is sensitive to changes from inspiratory resistance and oxygen, proving valuable for clinical trials in patients with exertional dyspnea.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Clinical Physiology
Context:
- Assessing subjective symptoms like dyspnea is crucial in managing respiratory conditions.
- Exercise testing is a standard method for evaluating exertional dyspnea.
Purpose:
- To adapt and validate a visual analogue scale (VAS) for reproducible and sensitive measurement of dyspnea during bicycle ergometer exercise.
- To assess the scale's sensitivity to interventions like inspiratory resistance and oxygen administration.
Summary:
- A visual analogue scale (VAS) was adapted for repeated dyspnea measurements during exercise.
- The VAS demonstrated acceptable reproducibility after a preliminary test and exclusion of non-performers.
- The scale showed sensitivity in detecting dyspnea changes induced by inspiratory resistance and oxygen administration.
Impact:
- This validated VAS offers a reliable method for quantifying the subjective experience of dyspnea during exertion.
- It holds significant value for evaluating the efficacy of therapeutic interventions in patients with exertional dyspnea.