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. 2024 Apr 22;69(5):527-533.
doi: 10.4187/respcare.10875.

Effect of a Ventilatory Assist Device in Addition to Supplemental Oxygen on Exercise Endurance in Subjects With COPD

Lana Hilling  1 , Cindy Cayou  1 , Richard S Kops  1 , Robert A Ameo  2 , Richard J Morishige  3 , Stanislav Glezer  4 , Nicholas S Hill  5
Affiliations

Effect of a Ventilatory Assist Device in Addition to Supplemental Oxygen on Exercise Endurance in Subjects With COPD

Lana Hilling et al. Respir Care. .

Abstract

Background: This study assessed the clinical effects of a ventilatory assist (VA) device in addition to supplemental O2 (VA+O2) on exercise endurance in subjects with severe to very severe COPD managed with long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT).

Methods: This was a crossover clinical feasibility study of the effects of VA+O2 in subjects with severe to very severe COPD managed with LTOT (N = 15). At visit 1, physiologic measures were obtained, and subjects were tested on the cycle ergometer with VA. Peak work rate and flow for continuous supplemental O2/VA+O2 were established. At visit 2, subjects exercised at a constant work rate of 80% peak work rate to maximum endurance after allocation to VA+O2 or O2. Cardiorespiratory variables, work rate, and dyspnea were included to define potential clinical benefits of VA+O2. Data were analyzed using a linear mixed model.

Results: Fifteen subjects with COPD (mean ± SD, age 67.9 ± 9.0 y, FEV1 0.89 ± 0.35 observed) completed the study. Exercise duration in minutes was significantly longer with VA+O2 versus O2 (least squares mean [standard error], 12.0 [2.0] vs 6.2 [2.0], P = .01). VA+O2 versus O2 was also associated with significantly greater isotime improvements in Borg dyspnea scores (3.6 [0.5] vs 5.7 [0.5], P < .001), SpO2 (96.9 [0.9] vs 91.4 [0.9], P < .001), leg fatigue scores (3.8 [0.6] vs 5.2 [0.6], P = .008), and breathing frequency (22.8 [0.9] vs 25.8 [0.9] breaths/min, P = .01). There were no differences in heart rate.

Conclusions: In symptomatic subjects with severe to very severe COPD, VA+O2 significantly increased exercise time and improved dyspnea, SpO2 , breathing frequency, and leg fatigue versus O2 alone.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02278107.

Keywords: COPD; dyspnea; exercise endurance; leg fatigue; oxygen therapy; pulmonary ventilation.

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Conflict of interest statement

Ms Hilling discloses a relationship with New Aera. Dr Ameo discloses relationships with New Aera and Inogen. Mr Morishige discloses a relationship with New Aera. Dr Glezer discloses a relationship with Inogen. Dr Hill discloses relationships with New Aera, Inogen, Breas, Caire, Fisher & Paykel, Liberate Medical, Philips Respironics, and Vyaire. The remaining authors have disclosed no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Flow chart. VA = ventiltory assist
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2.
Exercise endurance time (min) with VA+O2 vs O2 alone.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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