Volume, flow, and timing of each breath during negative airway pressure in humans.

We have analyzed the effects of 4-6 min of 5, 10 and 15 cmH2O continuous negative airway pressure breathing (NPB) on steady-state end-expiratory lung volume (delta VR) and breathing pattern. Fourteen healthy adults, seated in a full body box, breathed via a mouthpiece on a bag-in-box. Pressure in the body box was elevated to the desired pressure level. Inspiratory (TI) and expiratory (TE) durations, tidal volume (VT), minute ventilation (VI), mean inspiratory flow (VT/TI), and mean expiratory flow (VT/TE) were calculated from pneumotachometer recordings. The effects of NPB are decreases in delta VR, VT, and VT/TI and increases in VT/TE. The responses to NPB are an increase in breathing frequency, due to a shortened TE, and an increase in inspiratory activity. The decrease in delta VR and the increase in VT/TE are limited by an active retardation of expiratory flow. End-tidal CO2 and VI were not altered significantly during NPB, suggesting no alveolar hyperventilation. Thus multiple components of the human response to NPB are not all engaged at the same levels of NPB. The changes in the timing of respiratory events occur at -5 cmH2O, whereas VT compensation is not seen until -15 cmH2O.