Bilevel Exercise Training and Directed Breathing Relieves Exertional Dyspnea for Male Smokers

Comparison of Two Stair Climbing Protocols for Smokers

“…The peak work rate (PWR) was that achieved during the last full 3 min before exhaustion to determined VO 2 max and the Ventilatory Anaerobic Threshold (VAT) [5,11]. The VO 2 max was recorded as the VO 2 over the last 30 sec before exhaustion [5,11].…”

“…The cycle-ergometry was performed on the 1000S (Medifit Inc, Maarn, the Netherlands) at increments of 30 watts/3 minute with cardiac monitoring (Multiscriptor EK; Hellige-France Inc, Strasbourg, France) [5,11]. The peak work rate (PWR) was that achieved during the last full 3 min before exhaustion to determined VO 2 max and the Ventilatory Anaerobic Threshold (VAT) [5,11].…”

“…Minute ventilation; tidal volumes; respiratory rate; and respiratory exchange, that is, oxygen uptake (VO 2 ,) and carbon dioxide output (VCO 2 ) [5,7], were measured during the maximal exercise on cycleergometer protocol by Jaeger's Oxycon Champion (Jaeger GmdH & Co., Wurzburg, Germany) calibrated before and after each use [5,11]. A bronchodilator (i.e.…”

“…Structured exercise rehabilitation programs of six to eight weeks duration have been shown to improve quality of life, increase exercise tolerance, and boost maximal oxygen consumption (VO 2 max) by 20% to 60% [3][4][5]. Although benefits can be maintained by 45 minutes of daily maximal training on a cycloergometer [3][4][5], most people stop exercising after discharge from the program [4,5].…”

“…Although benefits can be maintained by 45 minutes of daily maximal training on a cycloergometer [3][4][5], most people stop exercising after discharge from the program [4,5]. Lack of time, motivation, and money to purchase equipment are often cited as the main barriers [6].…”