Bicycle ergometry and gas exchange measurements in neuromuscular diseases.

Using bicycle ergometry with computerized respiratory gas exchange measurements, we compared exercise capacities in patients with various neuromuscular diseases to those in normal controls. As expected, male and female patients had significantly reduced maximum work capacities (kilopond-meters per minute per kilogram of body weight) and maximal oxygen consumptions. The oxygen cost of exercise was normal in the majority of patients, although some appeared to have abnormally high oxygen consumptions during exercise. Breathing patterns during exercise, particularly in regard to onset of hyperventilation, were similar in patients and controls.