Relationship between tidal volume (VT) and inspiratory time (TI) were examined in the athletes specialized in aerobic exercise and in anaerobic exercise. CO₂ rebreathing increased VT, but did not change TI in the aerobic athletes. In the anaerobic athletes, CO₂ rebreathing increased VT and TI did not change until VT reached 1.5 times of the VT during quiet breathing. However, after VT was over 1.5 times, TI decreased in the anaerobic athletes. These results indicated that two groups of athletes had difference in the reflex contributions to the respiratory pattern generation. The work also showed that afferent input from the extremities to the central respiratory pattern generator shifted the VT-TI curve to the left.

DESCENTE SPORTS SCIENCE Vol.2/THE DESCENTE AND ISHIMOTO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION SPORTS SCIENCE