Physical performance during combinations of hypercapnic, resistive, and hot air breathing

Performance time for a 3.2-km (2-mi) run at maximal voluntary speed was determined for 12 subjects under seven experimental conditions: resistance breathing (R), hypercapnia (C), hot air breathing (H), and combinations R + C, R + H, H + C, and R + H + C. The tests were performed on a treadmill at 5% grade. Performance time was increased significantly when the subjects were exposed to resistance breathing alone (9%) or to any combination condition containing resistance (16%-31%). The effect of breathing resistance was not specific to the presence or absence of C, H, or their combination. Nevertheless, the physiological effects were not additive and could not be predicted by knowing the effects of the individual stresses. Performance time also was increased in Condition H + C (9%). Pulmonary ventilation was the most affected physiological variable, significantly reduced in Conditions R, H, C + R, H + R, and H + C + R. In conclusion, a multistress approach should be used when determining physiological responses or performance limitations brought about by real or simulated industrial respirator-wear conditions.