Use of a portable CPAP device can augment exercise performance in tracheobronchomalacia, according to research published online in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
Three six-minute walk tests (6MWTs) were performed on a 62-year-old male patient recently diagnosed with tracheobronchomalacia: during self-ventilation, with a portable CPAP at a set pressure of 4 cm H20, and with a portable CPAP at a set pressure of 10 cm H20.
The authors found that the patient achieved a walking distance of 60 m on the first 6-MWT performed during self-ventilation and 100 m on the second 6MWT (4 cm H20). On the third 6MWT (10 cm H20), the patient achieved a walking distance of 100 m, but terminated the test at four minutes due to severe expiratory dyspnea.
CPAP Increases Exercise Performance in Tracheobronchomalacia
