Peak Inspiratory Flows of Adults Exercising at Light, Moderate and Heavy Work Loads

he purpose of this study was to acquire, process, and analyze ventilation and peak inspiratory airflows during exercise to obtain a representative sample set of ventilation data of the general working population. A total of 13 volunteers exercised on a treadmill at three relative work rates of 40%, 60%, and 80% of their maximal aerobic capacity. Ventilation measurements and peak inspiratory airflows were recorded at each work rate for a two-minute period using an automated gas analysis system. Average ventilation results were consistent with previous research findings during equivalent workloads. As workload increased from moderate to heavy exercise the ratios of maximum and mean peak inspiratory airflow-to-minute ventilation decreased. Mean peak inspiratory airflow measurements when combined with a greater sampling frequency may provide a more accurate and robust depiction of ventilation and peak inspiratory flow during different levels of exercise.