Author Spotlight: Integrating Alveolar-Capillary Reserve Measurements in Exercise Adaptation and Therapeutic Strategies

Our research focuses on mechanism of impaired pulmonary gas exchange in various disease states and how knowledge of these may be used for diagnostic and target treatments. We aim to refine the understanding of acute exercise adaptation by assessing alveolar capillary reserve through diffusion capacity measurements during exercise. Conventional lung function testing, such as dynamic spirometry, and diffusion capacity measurements during rest provides limited information about pulmonary limitations and adaptations to acute exercise.

Our protocol addresses this gap by introducing a more comprehensive and physiologically-relevant measurement method that assesses the alveolar capillary reserve. By providing a more detailed analysis of lung function during exercise, this research contributes to the development of target diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for pulmonary diseases, enhancing clinical management and treatment efficacy. By this technique, our studies will specifically elucidate how pulmonary gas exchange limitations contributes to the pathophysiology of chronic lung disease and how this may be affected by exercise training.

Our research group intends to extend this research to explore the impact of various therapeutic and training interventions on pulmonary function during exercise, and to investigate the specific responses in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This will further elucidate the lungs adaptability and resilience on distress.