Activation of the prefrontal cortex is associated with exertional dyspnea in COPD

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Background Exertional dyspnea is the primary symptom that limits exercise for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is unknown which activated brain area is associated with this symptom in COPD patients.Objectives To investigate the activation of cortical areas in COPD patients associated with dyspnea during exercise. Methods COPD patients and age-matched controls performed mild intensity constant-work rate cycle exercises for 10 minutes while cerebral hemodynamics and oxygenation were measured by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Results Oxy-Hb concentration was significantly increased in the prefrontal region during exercise in both groups, but not in temporoparietal regions. Dyspnea scores were positively correlated with changes in oxy-Hb concentrations of the prefrontal regions in both groups. Conclusions Exertional dyspnea was related to activation (oxygenation) of the prefrontal cortex in COPD patients and control subjects.