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Physiological responses of mild pulmonary impaired subjects while using a demand respirator during rest and work

Journal Article · · Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J.; (United States)

This investigation determined the cardiorespiratory responses of subjects with normal lung function and exercise tolerance and compared them with subjects with moderate and severe impairment of lung function and exercise tolerance. Comparisons were made during work while wearing an industrial respirator. Physiologically and subjectively the response of the normal and moderately impaired subjects to respirator wear during rest, 35%, 50% and 63% of their maximal workloads were not different. However, when the moderately impaired worked at 63% of their maximum the workload was equivalent to 50% of maximum of the normal subject. Significant differences in the peak flow/pressure ratio of the severely impaired compred to the normals and moderately impaired were found. By relating work performance to the dyspnea index it was suggested that the relationship between maximal lung function and maximal work performance needs to be identified both with and without respirators. This relationship may prove suitable in predicting performance during respirator wear.

Research Organization:
Texas Coll. of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Worth
OSTI ID:
6502166
Journal Information:
Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J.; (United States) Vol. 42:4; ISSN AIHAA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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