Optimization of the Neural Muscular Drive and Respiratory Signals under Dead Space Loading and CO2 Inhalation

In this paper, we simulate the effect of imposed external dead space by examining the optimized neural muscular drive and respiratory signals, including, airflow and lung volume profiles. To study the effect of external dead space loading, the measurement model by Gray is used and human respiratory control simulator based on an optimal respiratory control mechanism is implemented. The respiratory control simulations are performed with external dead space loading (0, 0.4 and 0.8 l) under rest and CO2 inhalation of 3% to 7%. The waveshaping of both the imposed external dead space and CO2 inhalation on the respiratory waveforms are studied.