Tidal expiratory flow limitation during exercise is unrelated to peripheral hypercapnic chemosensitivity

• Published in: Respiratory physiology & neurobiology 2024-07, Vol.325, p.104254, Article 104254
• Main Authors: Mann, Leah M., Chan, Jason S., Angus, Sarah A., Doherty, Connor J., Thompson, Benjamin P., Foster, Glen E., Dominelli, Paolo B.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: flow limitation; hypercapnia; Peripheral chemosensitivity
• ISSN: 1569-9048; 1878-1519; 1878-1519
• DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2024.104254

We sought to determine if peripheral hypercapnic chemosensitivity is related to expiratory flow limitation (EFL) during exercise. Twenty participants completed one testing day which consisted of peripheral hypercapnic chemosensitivity testing and a maximal exercise test to exhaustion. The chemosensitivity testing consisting of two breaths of 10% CO2 (O2∼21%) repeated 5 times during seated rest and the first 2 exercise intensities during the maximal exercise test. Following chemosensitivity testing, participants continued cycling with the intensity increasing 20 W every 1.5 minutes till exhaustion. Maximal expiratory flow-volume curves were derived from forced expiratory capacity maneuvers performed before and after exercise at varying efforts. Inspiratory capacity maneuvers were performed during each exercise stage to determine EFL. There was no difference between the EFL and non-EFL hypercapnic chemoresponse (mean response during exercise 0.96 ± 0.46 and 0.91 ± 0.33 l min−1 mmHg−1, p=0.783). Peripheral hypercapnic chemosensitivity during mild exercise does not appear to be related to the development of EFL during exercise. •Hypercapnic chemosensitivty was unrelated to expiratory flow limitation.•High ventilatory utilization was unrelated to peripheral hypercapnic chemosensitivity.•The occurance of expiratory flow limitation does not appear to be related to CO2 sensitivity.