Physiological Effects of High-flow Nasal Cannula 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.