Related Experiment Videos
Do voluntary changes in inspiratory-expiratory ratio prevent exercise-induced asthma?
F Ceugniet1, F Cauchefer, J Gallego
1Le Balcon de Cerdagne, Font-Romeu, France.
Biofeedback and Self-Regulation
|June 1, 1994
Summary
Altering breathing patterns during exercise did not significantly impact exercise-induced asthma in children. Familiarization with the exercise test appeared to be more influential than voluntary changes in inspiratory/expiratory time ratio.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Exercise Physiology
- Asthma Research
Background:
- Heat exchange in airways is a known trigger for exercise-induced asthma.
- Reducing the inspiratory time/expiratory time ratio (TI/TE) may decrease heat exchange and potentially reduce bronchoconstriction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if altering the TI/TE ratio during exercise can reduce exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in asthmatic children.
- To compare the effects of different breathing patterns on asthma symptoms during exercise.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-four children with asthma performed two 6-minute outdoor running tests.
- Subjects were divided into three groups for the second test: no instruction, TI/TE = 1, and TI/TE = 1/3.
- Pulmonary function tests (FEV1, FVC), heart rate, and performance were monitored.
Main Results:
- All groups showed similar pulmonary function, heart rate, and performance during exercise.
- A significant improvement in FEV1 was observed in the second exercise session across groups.
- No significant difference in FEV1 improvement was noted between groups with different breathing instructions.
Conclusions:
- Voluntary changes in the TI/TE ratio did not significantly alter exercise-induced asthma severity.
- Familiarization with the exercise test and psychological factors may play a more significant role in mitigating asthma symptoms than breathing pattern modification.