Respiratory muscle function and drive in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with altered function of and increased load on the respiratory muscles. This imbalance results in adaptive phenomena at the level of muscle structure and recruitment. It is also an important determinant of dyspnea and hypercapnia. Because muscles demonstrate significant plasticity and the increased load is largely irreversible in COPD, respiratory muscles seem to be an attractive target for therapeutic interventions.