VENTILATORY MUSCLE TRAINING APPARATUS

摘要

A ventilatory muscle training apparatus is disclosed which utilizes a gas rebreathing system having a reservoir and a mouthpiece for use in conveying gas into and out of the reservoir during inhalation and exhalation. An adjustable valve-like aperture is located in the system in a position to vent some expired gas to the ambient atmosphere during exhalation and in a position such that some ambient air is drawn into the system from the ambient during inhalation. This aperture structure is capable of being adjusted so as to normalize the carbon dioxide content of the gas breathed in during inhalation to a patient's normal respiratory level. The reservoir used is preferably an enclosed chamber which is open to the ambient air remote from the mouthpiece. The apparatus also includes a means for use in monitoring the air flow through the mouthpiece so that the patient can determine that his or her breathing is in accordance with the intended manner of use of the apparatus.