Comparison of airway narrowing to moderate and cold temperature following a sub-maximal physical challenge evaluated by Impulse oscillometry

The efficacy of impulse oscillometry as an indirect measure of exercise-induced airway changes, compared to spirometry has not been comprehensively appreciated. The objective was to compare airway responses to cold temperature exercise and to recognize whether impulse oscillometry parameters relate to spirometry parameters. 18 physically active men with probable Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm (Body Mass Index ≤25) were screened for this study. The exercise protocol was two 6-min sub-maximal exercises of running on the treadmill with 80-90% Peak Heart Rate in either cold (4.0 ◦C) or moderate (25.0 ◦C) temperature. 48 h was observed between these two challenges. Strong correlations were found between cold and moderate temperature data for impulse oscillometry and spirometry. Spirometry revealed post-challenge significant difference in cold and moderate temperatures (p<0.05). Respiratory resistance measured by impulse oscillometry found to be significantly different in post-challenge peak falls for two conditions. Significant correlations found within impulse oscillometry and spirometry data suggesting the efficacy of impulse oscillometry in evaluating airway responses to exercise challenges. Two challenges appeared to elicit Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm response by a similar mechanism of airway hyperresponsiveness and water loss.