Factors limiting exercise performance in lung disease. Ventilatory insufficiency

Abstract

Because of the additive effects of impaired ventilatory muscle function on the one hand and the increased ventilatory load on the other, increasing attention is now directed at therapies to improve ventilatory muscle function. Three main approaches are being used: (1) reduction in load; (2) increase in intrinsic ventilatory muscle function; and (3) reduction in dyspnea perception. While promising results have been achieved, additional investigative work is required to resolve outstanding questions.