Fatigue of inspiratory muscles and their synergic behavior

1979 ◽  
Vol 46 (5) ◽  
pp. 897-904 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Roussos ◽  
M. Fixley ◽  
D. Gross ◽  
P. T. Macklem

The time (tlim) required to produce inspiratory muscle fatigue was measured in five normal subjects breathing at functional residual capacity (FRC) against a variety of high inspiratory resistive loads. In every breathing test the subjects generated with each inspiration a mouth pressure (Pm) that was a predetermined fraction of maximum Pm (Pmmax). They continued breathing until they were unable to generate this Pm. The Pm/Pmmax that could be generated indefinitely (Pmcrit) was around 60%. The inspiratory power output at that level of breathing was 6.6 kg.m/min (Wcrit). In three of those subjects the same experiment was conducted at an end-expiratory volume of FRC + one-half inspiratory capacity (1/2IC). The higher lung volume was actively maintained by the subjects watching end-expiratory transpulmonary pressure on an oscilloscope. For any fraction of the maximum mouth pressure at FRC + 1/2IC (Pm'max), tlim was shorter than FRC. Pmcrit decreased to 30% Pm'max and Wcrit to 2.6 kg.m/min. Monitoring the abdominal pressure revealed that the contribution of the diaphragm and intercostal accessory muscles alternated in time, possibly postponing the onset of fatigue.

1989 ◽  
Vol 66 (3) ◽  
pp. 1113-1119 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. G. Gallagher ◽  
R. Sanii ◽  
M. Younes

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of the normal inspiratory resistive load in the regulation of respiratory motor output in resting conscious humans. We used a recently described device (J. Appl. Physiol. 62: 2491–2499, 1987) to make mouth pressure during inspiration positive and proportional to inspiratory flow, thus causing inspiratory resistive unloading (IRUL); the magnitude of IRUL (delta R = -3.0 cmH2O.1(-1).s) was set so as to unload most (approximately 86% of the normal inspiratory resistance. Six conscious normal humans were studied. Driving pressure (DP) was calculated according to the method of Younes et al. (J. Appl. Physiol. 51: 963–1001, 1981), which provides the equivalent of occlusion pressure at functional residual capacity throughout the breath. IRUL resulted in small but significant changes in minute ventilation (0.6 1/min) and in end-tidal CO2 concentration (-0.11%) with no significant change in tidal volume or respiratory frequency. There was a significant shortening of the duration (neural inspiratory time) of the rising phase of the DP waveform and the shape of the rising phase became more convex to the time axis. There was no change in the average rate of rise of DP or in the duration or shape of the declining phase. We conclude that 1) the normal inspiratory resistance is an important determinant of the duration and shape of the rising phase of DP and 2) the neural responses elicited by the normal inspiratory resistance are similar to those observed with added inspiratory resistive loads.


1983 ◽  
Vol 54 (6) ◽  
pp. 1525-1531 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. L. DeWeese ◽  
T. Y. Sullivan ◽  
P. L. Yu

To characterize the ventilatory response to resistive unloading, we studied the effect of breathing 79.1% helium-20.9% oxygen (He-O2) on ventilation and on mouth pressure measured during the first 100 ms of an occluded inspiration (P100) in normal subjects at rest. The breathing circuit was designed so that external resistive loads during both He-O2 and air breathing were similar. Lung resistance, measured in three subjects with an esophageal balloon technique, was reduced by 23 +/- 8% when breathing He-O2. Minute ventilation, tidal volume, respiratory frequency, end-tidal partial pressure of CO2, inspiratory and expiratory durations, and mean inspiratory flow were not significantly different when air was replaced by He-O2. P100, however, was significantly less during He-O2 breathing. We conclude that internal resistive unloading by He-O2 breathing reduces the neuromuscular output required to maintain constant ventilation. Unlike studies involving inhaled bronchodilators, this technique affords a method by which unloading can be examined independent of changes in airway tone.


1988 ◽  
Vol 64 (6) ◽  
pp. 2482-2489 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Leblanc ◽  
E. Summers ◽  
M. D. Inman ◽  
N. L. Jones ◽  
E. J. Campbell ◽  
...  

The capacity of inspiratory muscles to generate esophageal pressure at several lung volumes from functional residual capacity (FRC) to total lung capacity (TLC) and several flow rates from zero to maximal flow was measured in five normal subjects. Static capacity was 126 +/- 14.6 cmH2O at FRC, remained unchanged between 30 and 55% TLC, and decreased to 40 +/- 6.8 cmH2O at TLC. Dynamic capacity declined by a further 5.0 +/- 0.35% from the static pressure at any given lung volume for every liter per second increase in inspiratory flow. The subjects underwent progressive incremental exercise to maximum power and achieved 1,800 +/- 45 kpm/min and maximum O2 uptake of 3,518 +/- 222 ml/min. During exercise peak esophageal pressure increased from 9.4 +/- 1.81 to 38.2 +/- 5.70 cmH2O and end-inspiratory esophageal pressure increased from 7.8 +/- 0.52 to 22.5 +/- 2.03 cmH2O from rest to maximum exercise. Because the estimated capacity available to meet these demands is critically dependent on end-inspiratory lung volume, the changes in lung volume during exercise were measured in three of the subjects using He dilution. End-expiratory volume was 52.3 +/- 2.42% TLC at rest and 38.5 +/- 0.79% TLC at maximum exercise.


1988 ◽  
Vol 65 (2) ◽  
pp. 760-766 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. S. Dodd ◽  
P. W. Collett ◽  
L. A. Engel

We examined the combined effect of an increase in inspiratory flow rate and frequency on the O2 cost of inspiratory resistive breathing (VO2 resp). In each of three to six pairs of runs we measured VO2 resp in six normal subjects breathing through an inspiratory resistance with a constant tidal volume (VT). One of each pair of runs was performed at an inspiratory muscle contraction frequency of approximately 10/min and the other at approximately 30/min. Inspiratory mouth pressure was 45 +/- 2% (SE) of maximum at the lower contraction frequency and 43 +/- 2% at the higher frequency. Duty cycle (the ratio of contraction time to total cycle time) was constant at 0.51 +/- 0.01. However, during the higher frequency runs, two of every three contractions were against an occluded airway. Because VT and duty cycle were kept constant, mean inspiratory flow rate increased with frequency. Careful selection of appropriate parameters allowed the pairs of runs to be matched both for work rate and pressure-time product. The VO2 resp did not increase, despite approximately threefold increases in both inspiratory flow rate and contraction frequency. On the contrary, there was a trend toward lower values for VO2 resp during the higher frequency runs. Because these were performed at a slightly lower mean lung volume, a second study was designed to measure the VO2 resp of generating the same inspiratory pressure (45% maximum static inspiratory mouth pressure at functional residual capacity) at the same frequency but at two different lung volumes. This was achieved with a negligibly small work rate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


1986 ◽  
Vol 60 (4) ◽  
pp. 1198-1202 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. D. McCool ◽  
B. M. Pichurko ◽  
A. S. Slutsky ◽  
M. Sarkarati ◽  
A. Rossier ◽  
...  

Previous studies suggest that abdominal binding may affect the interaction of the rib cage and the diaphragm over the tidal range of breathing in quadriplegia. To determine whether abdominal binding influences rib cage motion over the entire range of inspiratory capacity, we used spirometry and the helium-dilution technique to measure functional residual capacity (FRC), inspiratory capacity, and total lung capacity (TLC) in eight quadriplegic and five normal subjects in supine, tilted (37 degrees), and seated positions. Combined data in all three positions indicated that, with abdominal binding, FRC and TLC decreased in normal subjects [delta FRC = -0.33 + 0.151 (SD) P less than 0.01); delta TLC = -0.16 + 0.121, P less than 0.05]. In quadriplegia there was also a reduction in FRC with binding (delta FRC = -0.32 + 0.101, P less than 0.001). However, TLC increased in quadriplegia (delta TLC = 0.07 + 0.061, P less than 0.025). In an additional six quadriplegic and five normal subjects, we used magnetometers to define the influences of abdominal binding on rib cage dimensions and TLC. In quadriplegia, rib cage dimensions were increased at TLC with abdominal binding, whereas there was no change in normals. Our data suggest that this inspiratory effect of abdominal binding on augmenting rib cage volume in quadriplegia is greater than the effect of impeding diaphragm descent, and thus abdominal binding produces a net increase in TLC in quadriplegia.


1978 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 200-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. T. Macklem ◽  
D. Gross ◽  
G. A. Grassino ◽  
C. Roussos

We tested the hypothesis that the inspiratory pressure swings across the rib-cage pathway are the sum of transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdi) and the pressures developed by the intercostal/accessory muscles (Pic). If correct, Pic can only contribute to lowering pleural pressure (Ppl), to the extent that it lowers abdominal pressure (Pab). To test this we measured Pab and Ppl during during Mueller maneuvers in which deltaPab = 0. Because there was no outward displacement of the rib cage, Pic must have contributed to deltaPpl, as did Pdi. Under these conditions the total pressure developed by the inspiratory muscles across the rib-cage pathway was less than Pdi + Pic. Therefore, we rejected the hypothesis. A plot of Pab vs. Ppl during relaxation allows partitioning of the diaphragmatic and intercostal/accessory muscle contributions to inspiratory pressure swings. The analysis indicates that the diaphragm can act both as a fixator, preventing transmission of Ppl to the abdomen and as an agonist. When abdominal muscles remain relaxed it only assumes the latter role to the extent that Pab increases.


1996 ◽  
Vol 80 (3) ◽  
pp. 727-733 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Suzuki ◽  
S. Suzuki ◽  
T. Okubo

We studied the effects of a single dose of fenoterol on the relationship between inspiratory effort sensation (IES) and inspiratory muscle fatigue induced by inspiratory threshold loading in healthy subjects. The magnitude of the threshold was 60% of maximal static inspiratory mouth pressure (PI,mmax) at functional residual capacity, and the duty cycle was 0.5. Subjects continued the threshold loaded breathing until the target mouth pressure could no longer be maintained (endurance time). The intensity of the IES was scored with a modified Borg scale. Either fenoterol (5 mg) or a placebo was given orally 2 h before loading in a randomized double-blind crossover protocol. The endurance time with fenoterol (34.4 +/- 8.6 min) was longer than that with the placebo (22.2 +/- 7.1 min; P < 0.05). The ratio of high- to low-frequency power of the diaphragmatic electromyogram (EMGdi) decreased during loading; the decrease was less with fenoterol (P < 0.05). The EMGdi also decreased with loading; the decrease was greater on fenoterol treatment (P < 0.01). The PI,mmax and maximal transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdi) were similarly decreased after loading on either treatment. The intensity of the IES rose with time during loading in both groups but was lower with fenoterol than with the placebo (P < 0.05). The ratio of Pdi to integrated activity of the EMGdi increased with fenoterol (P < 0.05). Fenoterol treatment increased both superimposed Pdi twitch and Pdi twitch of relaxed diaphragm and decreased the value of (1-superimposed Pdi twitch/Pdi twitch of relaxed diaphragm). Thus we conclude that in normal subjects fenoterol reduces diaphragmatic fatigue and decreases the motor command to the diaphragm, resulting in a decrease in IES during inspiratory threshold loading and a prolongation of endurance.


1985 ◽  
Vol 58 (2) ◽  
pp. 605-611 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. P. Brancatisano ◽  
D. S. Dodd ◽  
P. W. Collett ◽  
L. A. Engel

We examined the effects of external mechanical loading on glottic dimensions in 13 normal subjects. When flow-resistive loads of 7, 27, and 48 cmH2O X l-1 X s, measured at 0.2 l/s, were applied during expiration, glottic width at the mid-tidal volume point in expiration (dge) was 2.3 +/- 12, 37.9 +/- 7.5, and 38.3 +/- 8.9% (means +/- SE) less than the control dge, respectively. Simultaneously, mouth pressure (Pm) increased by 2.5 +/- 4, 3.0 +/- 0.4, and 4.6 +/- 0.6 cmH2O, respectively. When subjects were switched from a resistance to a positive end-expiratory pressure at comparable values of Pm, both dge and expiratory flow returned to control values, whereas the level of hyperinflation remained constant. Glottic width during inspiration (unloaded) did not change on any of the resistive loads. There was a slight inverse relationship between the ratio of expiratory to inspiratory glottic width and the ratio of expiratory to inspiratory duration. Our results show noncompensatory glottic narrowing when subjects breathe against an expiratory resistance and suggest that the glottic dimensions are influenced by the time course of lung emptying during expiration. We speculate that the glottic constriction is related to the increased activity of expiratory medullary neurons during loaded expiration and, by increasing the internal impedance of the respiratory system, may have a stabilizing function.


1987 ◽  
Vol 62 (3) ◽  
pp. 1299-1306 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. L. Begle ◽  
J. B. Skatrud ◽  
J. A. Dempsey

The role of conscious factors in the ventilatory compensation for shortened inspiratory muscle length and the potency of this compensatory response were studied in five normal subjects during non-rapid-eye-movement sleep. To shorten inspiratory muscles, functional residual capacity (FRC) was increased and maintained for 2–3 min at a constant level (range of increase 160–1,880 ml) by creating negative pressure within a tank respirator in which the subjects slept. Minute ventilation was maintained in all subjects over the entire range of increased FRC (mean change +/- SE = -3 +/- 1%) through preservation of tidal volume (-2 +/- 2%) despite slightly decreased breathing frequency (-6 +/- 2%). The decrease in frequency (-13 +/- 2%) was due to a prolongation in expiratory time. Inspiratory time shortened (-10 +/- 1%). Mean inspiratory flow increased 15 +/- 3% coincident with an increase in the slope of the moving time average of the integrated surface diaphragmatic electromyogram (67 +/- 21%). End-tidal CO2 did not rise. In two subjects, control tidal volume was increased 35–50% with CO2 breathing. This augmented tidal volume was still preserved when FRC was increased. We concluded that the compensatory response to inspiratory muscle shortening did not require factors associated with the conscious state. In addition, the potency of this response was demonstrated by preservation of tidal volume despite extreme shortening of the inspiratory muscles and increase in control tidal volumes caused by CO2 breathing. Finally, the timing changes we observed may be due to reflexes following shortening of inspiratory muscle length, increase in abdominal muscle length, or cardiovascular changes.


1964 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eduardo Salazar ◽  
John H. Knowles

By analysis of the retractive forces of the lungs it was found that the pressure-volume characteristics of the lungs may be expressed by an exponential function. The curve described by such expression could be fitted to the experimental data obtained in 20 normal subjects. A half-inflation pressure (h) was defined which makes possible the evaluation of the retractive forces of the lungs by a measurement independent of lung size and accounting for known curvilinearity. H is a useful index of the stiffness of the organ and it is defined as the increase in transpulmonary pressure necessary to inflate the lungs halfway to the maximal pulmonary volume from any resting level. The mean value of h for the group was 7.58 ± 2.53 cm H2O. The half-inflation pressure is independent of the level of measurement within the inspiratory capacity and it does not vary with or depend on the size of the lungs. It may therefore be a more useful expression of the retractive forces of the lungs than compliance. pulmonary retractive forces; lung stiffness; compliance half-inflation pressure and lung size; VC and half-inflation pressure; FRC and half-inflation pressure; new expression for compliance; pressure-volume curve Submitted on March 4, 1963


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document