Effects of Increased Chemostimulation on the Relationship Between Increasing Breathlessness Intensity and Increasing Neural Respiratory Motor Drive (Diaphragm EMG) During Exercise in Healthy Older Humans

PURPOSE: The neurophysiological underpinnings of exertional breathlessness are only partially understood, but the awareness of increased neural respiratory motor drive is likely contributory. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of increased chemostimulation on the relationship between increasing breathlessness intensity ratings and increasing diaphragm EMG (EMGdi) activity - an index of neural respiratory motor drive - during strenuous exercise in humans.