Evaluation of a Power-Assisted Breathing Device III. Treadmill Work Performance.

The power-assisted breathing device was conceived to reduce protective mask inspiratory resistance and to increase physical performance of soldiers during exercise. Treadmill work performance at room temperature was evaluated with each of five men walking on a modified Balke treadmill test while wearing 1 no mask 2 M17A1 protective mask 3 M17A1 protective mask with inspiratory resistance removed and 4 M17A1 mask with the power-assisted breathing device. Both the M17A1 mask and the M17A1 with the power-assisted device inhibited treadmill performance to the same degree. Performance with both masks was significantly decreased when compared with the unmasked condition. The mean walking time with the power-assisted device was the shortest of the four conditions. Heart rates 10 minutes after the walk started were significantly higher on men wearing the power-assisted device, although the final heart rates were the same for all respiratory conditions.