Effects of dead space loading on neuro-muscular and neuro-ventilatory coupling of the respiratory system during exercise in healthy adults: Implications for dyspnea and exercise tolerance

► Dead space loading decreased exercise tolerance by 20-25% in healthy adults. ► Neuro-muscular and neuro-ventilatory coupling was preserved during exercise in the setting of increased dead space. ► Exertional dyspnea reflects the awareness of increased neural respiratory drive, respiratory effort and ventilatory output. ► Healthy adults possess large ventilatory reserve during exercise.