Effects of resistive loading on the pattern of breathing
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 27, 2026

Custom Smartphone Application to Guide Locomotor-Respiratory Coupling in the Field Using Step-Adaptive Breathing Sounds
Published on: September 27, 2024
P Calabrese1, T P Dinh, A Eberhard
1Physiologie Respiratoire, Expérimentale, Théorique et Appliquée, Faculté de Médecine de Grenoble, La Tronche, France. pascale.calabrese@imag.fr
Abstract:
In order to determine changes in breathing patterns brought about by resistive loading, ventilation was recorded in 11 healthy subjects with four linear resistances (3.57, 5.75, 8.76 and 13.13 cmH2O L(-1) sec) added in a random order throughout the entire breath. At steady state, a breath-by-breath analysis of airflow was used to quantify the pattern of breathing in terms of respiratory variables: TI, TE, Tt, VT, VT/TI, TI/Tt, and by taking TI, TE, VT all together (TRIAD) and also the shape of the entire airflow profile quantified by harmonic analysis (ASTER). Group analysis using ANOVA showed significant changes in all variables. There were increasing changes with increasing loads in all variables, the smallest changes being in TI/Tt. Within to between-individual comparisons between two loads showed that only TI/Tt and the ASTER were more similar within than between-individuals for all comparisons. It was concluded that at steady state mechanisms of load compensation come into play inducing changes in the pattern of breathing proportional to the loads while maintaining some of the individual characteristics.
Related Concept Videos
Assessment of Ventilation II: Respiratory Depth and Rhythm
Respiratory depth measures the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during a breath. It can vary from shallow to deep and typically remains consistent when a person is at rest or asleep. Occasionally, individuals will automatically inhale deeply, known as sighing, which inflates the lungs with more air than normal breathing.
To assess respiratory depth, observe the degree of chest excursion or movement:
Alterations in Respiration II
In Biot's breathing, the respiratory rate and depth are irregular, alternating between periods of deep gasping and apnea. Common causes include...
Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Inspection
Chest Configuration
The chest configuration can...
Respiratory Volumes and Capacities I
Pressure Relationships in Thoracic Cavity
Breathing Mechanisms
Both intra-alveolar and intrapleural pressures rely on specific lung properties. The ability to breathe—allowing air to enter the lungs during...
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...

