Cardiopulmonary Response to Exercise in Patients with Neuromuscular Diseases

Abstract

To evaluate the possible effects of respiratory muscle training in patients with neuromuscular disease, cardiopulmonary response was examined in 13 patients and 17 healthy controls by recording flow-volume curves. ECG and alveolar CO2 levels and collecting mixed expiratory air in Douglas bags. Cardiopulmonary response of the patients was not significantly different from that of controls. There is no reason to avoid muscle training in patients with such disease.