MEASUREMENTS
Patients were asked to refrain from taking
bronchodilators for six hours before testing.
Baseline spirometry and flow-volume analysis
were performed with a dry rolling seal spirometer
(System 5000 IV, Gould Electronics).
The measurements were repeated after administration
of salbutamol (5 mg in 1 ml) via a
Wright mini nebuliser. Progressive incremental
exercise'9 was performed on an electronically
braked bicycle ergometer 10 minutes
after repeat dynamic spirometry. The work
load was increased by 18-25 watt increments at
one minute intervals, while the subject was
pedalling at a frequency of 40-60 cycles/min,
until he or she was exhausted (System 9000 IV,
Gould Electronics).