High-pressure non-invasive ventilation during exercise in COPD patients with chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure: A randomized, controlled, cross-over trial.

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) with a high inspiratory pressure significantly improved cycle endurance time, reduced exercise-induced hypercapnia and relieved exertional dyspnoea in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure. Complementary NIV with high inspiratory pressure support during cycling is feasible and a beneficial modality in the most severe COPD patients. See related Editorial.