Exercise induced bronchodilation: a phenomenon more common, greater magnitude and more prolonged in older adults than in adolescents.

Objective: There are few studies in clinically healthy subjects describing and quantifying exercise-induced bronchodilation (EIB). This study aimed to describe and compare the magnitude and time course changes in post-exercise forced expired volume at the first second (FEV) in healthy adolescents, younger adults, and older adults.

Methods: Adolescent ( = 73, aged 10-17 years), younger adult ( = 35, aged 18-25 years), and older adult ( = 25, aged 35-66 years) subjects with normal spirometry z-scores completed a maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test using the standardized exponential exercise test protocol on a cycle ergometer performed at stable temperature and humidity.

Quantifying tidal expiratory flow limitation using a vector-based analysis technique.

. Tidal expiratory flow limitation (EFL) is commonly identified by tidal breaths exceeding the forced vital capacity (FVC) loop. This technique, known as the Hyatt method, is limited by the difficulties in defining the FVC and tidal flow-volume (TV) loops.

Novel application of Poincaré analysis to detect and quantify exercise oscillatory ventilation.

Exercise oscillatory ventilation (EOV) is frequently observed in individuals with cardiac disease. Assessment of EOV relies on pattern recognition and this subjectivity and lack of quantification limits the widespread clinical use of EOV as a prognostic marker. Poincaré analysis quantifies the short (SD1) and long-term (SD2) variability of a signal and may provide an alternative means to identify and quantify unstable exercise breathing patterns.