[Dynamics of respiratory function during muscular exertion: a study in a group of international-level road cyclists]

The behaviour of some respiratory parameters have been studied in a group of road-cyclists with high standard of competitive performance. The results obtained have shown that the respiratory pattern seems to be marked to a great efficiency in the alveolo-capillary gas exchange. High levels of pulmonary ventilation are obtained through low respiratory rate and high tidal volumes. This determines a more pronounced increase in the alveolar ventilation and a better ratio VA/VE during muscular effort. It seems interesting the behaviour of the pulmonary oxygen extraction (FIO2-FEO2); this parameter in fact reach its maximal level already at the low levels of load imposed.