Physiological Effects of High-flow Nasal Cannula During Exercise

Effects of High-flow Nasal Cannula on the Distribution of Pulmonary Ventilation and Respiratory Effort in Healthy Subjects During Exercise.

The high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) has increased its evidence in patients during pulmonary rehabilitation. These studies hypothesize that the physiological effects of HFNC (positive expiratory pressure, anatomical dead space lavage, thermo-humidification) lead to an increase in exercise time. This is believed to be due to improvements that the device can generate in the respiratory system and muscles. However, the physiological effects of HFNC on respiratory effort and distribution of pulmonary ventilation during exercise are unknown. The aim of this study is to determine the acute effect of high flow nasal cannula on the distribution of pulmonary ventilation and respiratory effort during physical exercise in healthy subjects.

A randomized, cross-over clinical trial in which either HFNC or Sham may be used as an adjunct on a cycle ergometer in random order will be performed to compare the respiratory effort and distribution of pulmonary ventilation continuously. Measurements will be taken in a warm-up, exercise, and recovery phase for both groups.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy adults volunteers
• Physically inactive (according to World Health Organization criteria).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Refusal to participate
• Smokers
• History of acute cardiorespiratory or musculoskeletal disease during the last year (including COVID-19 when hospitalization or supplemental oxygen was required without any other disease)
• Any neuromuscular or cardiovascular or condition that limits test performance.
• Contraindication for esophageal catheter installation (recent epistaxis, severe coagulopathy, among other).