In order to explore the mechanism of Chinese traditional breath training

the effects of end-inspiratory pause breathing (EIPB) on the respiratory mechanics and arterial blood gas were studied in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Ten patients in steady stage participating in the study had a breath training of regulating the respiration rhythm as to having a pause between the deep and slow inspiration and the slow expiration. Effect of the training was observed by visual feedback from the screen of the respiratory inductive plethysmograph. The dynamic change of partial pressure of oxygen saturation in blood (SpO2) was recorded with sphygmo-oximeter

the pulmonary mechanics and EIPB were determined with spirometer

and the data of arterial blood gases in tranquilized breathing and EIPB were analysed. After EIPB training

SpO2 increased progressively

PaO2 increased and PaCO2 decreased

and the PaO2 increment was greater than the PaCO2 decrement. Furthermore

the tidal volume increased and the frequency of respiration decreased significantly

both inspiration time and expiration time were prolonged. There was no significant change in both mean inspiration flow rate (VT/Ti) and expiration flow rate (VT/Te) . The baselines in spirogram during EIPB training had no raise. EIPB could decrease the ratio of the dead space and tidal volume (VD/VT)

cause increase of PaO2 more than the decrease of PaCO2

suggesting that this training could improve both the function of ventilation and gaseous exchange in the lung. EIPB training might be a breathing training pattern for rehabilitation of patients with COPD.