The Utility and Acceptability of a New Noninvasive Ventilatory Assist Device, Rest-Activity Cycler-Positive Airways Pressure, During Exercise in a Population of Healthy Adults: Cohort Study.
Julie Reeve, Sarah Mooney, Nicola Jepsen and 1 others
PMID 35916705WHAT IT FOUND
Healthy adults walked the same distance with or without a new portable breathing device, but reported feeling more breathless while using it.
No adverse events occurred, and participants did not ask to stop. The device is feasible for testing in people with COPD but not yet proven beneficial.
Key findings
01Six-minute walk distance did not significantly change when healthy participants used the device compared to not using it.
02Participants reported significantly higher maximum breathlessness (dyspnea) during exercise when wearing the device.
03The device was safe to use during exercise, with no adverse events and no participants requesting removal.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTsWhat it means for SLPs
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What it does not show
The study was conducted in healthy adults, not people with COPD, so results may not transfer to the target clinical population. The sample size was very small (14 participants completed the exercise test), limiting statistical power. The device was a prototype, and participants noted significant usability issues (weight, tubing) that may affect real-world adherence. There was no comparison to other existing noninvasive ventilation devices.
Declared interests
One author (DW) is listed as a co-inventor on the patent for the RACer-PAP device.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret the lack of adverse events as evidence of clinical benefit. The study found no improvement in walking distance and a significant increase in reported breathlessness. This is a safety and feasibility check for a prototype, not a trial of efficacy for COPD patients.