Action of abdominal muscles on rib cage in humans

1985 ◽  
Vol 58 (5) ◽  
pp. 1438-1443 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Mier ◽  
C. Brophy ◽  
M. Estenne ◽  
J. Moxham ◽  
M. Green ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rectus Abdominis ◽  
Abdominal Muscles ◽  
Transverse Diameter ◽  
Transdiaphragmatic Pressure ◽  
Rib Cage ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Surface Electrodes ◽  
Residual Capacity ◽  
External Oblique ◽  
Stimulation Of

To assess the actions of the rectus abdominis and external oblique muscles on the rib cage in humans, these two muscles were stimulated with surface electrodes in four normal supine subjects at functional residual capacity. Changes in anteroposterior and transverse rib cage diameters and changes in xiphipubic distance were measured with pairs of magnetometers. Stimulation of rectus abdominis produced a marked decrease in the xiphipubic distance and in the anteroposterior diameter, thus making the rib cage more elliptic. In contrast, stimulation of the external oblique caused a decrease in the transverse diameter, making the rib cage more cylindrical. When both muscles were stimulated simultaneously, the resultant rib cage distortion depended on the relative voltage at which each muscle was stimulated. Electromyogram recordings showed that there was no cross contamination or activity of the diaphragm during the muscle stimulations. Transdiaphragmatic pressure increased with the voltage of stimulation, suggesting passive lengthening of the diaphragm. X-ray studies were performed in two subjects and confirmed the main magnetometer findings. These studies thus confirm that the rib cage in humans is more easily distortable than conventionally thought. The abdominal muscles can distort it in either direction depending on which muscles are contracting.

Triangularis sterni muscle use in supine humans

1987 ◽  
Vol 62 (3) ◽  
pp. 919-925 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. De Troyer ◽  
V. Ninane ◽  
J. J. Gilmartin ◽  
C. Lemerre ◽  
M. Estenne
Keyword(s):  
Normal Subjects ◽  
Abdominal Muscle ◽  
Abdominal Muscles ◽  
Neural Activation ◽  
Trained Subjects ◽  
Rib Cage ◽  
Residual Capacity ◽  
External Oblique ◽  
Head Flexion ◽  
Static Head

The electrical activity of the triangularis sterni (transversus thoracis) muscle was studied in supine humans during resting breathing and a variety of respiratory and nonrespiratory maneuvers known to bring the abdominal muscles into action. Twelve normal subjects, of whom seven were uninformed and untrained, were investigated. The electromyogram of the triangularis sterni was recorded using a concentric needle electrode, and it was compared with the electromyograms of the abdominal (external oblique and rectus abdominis) muscles. The triangularis sterni was usually silent during resting breathing. In contrast, the muscle was invariably activated during expiration from functional residual capacity, expulsive maneuvers, “belly-in” isovolume maneuvers, static head flexion and trunk rotation, and spontaneous events such as speech, coughing, and laughter. When three trained subjects expired voluntarily with considerable recruitment of the triangularis sterni and no abdominal muscle activity, rib cage volume decreased and abdominal volume increased. These results indicate that unlike in the dog, spontaneous quiet expiration in supine humans is essentially a passive process; the human triangularis sterni, however, is a primary muscle of expiration; and its neural activation is largely coupled with that of the abdominals. The triangularis sterni probably contributes to the deflation of the rib cage during active expiration.

Shape and size of the human diaphragm in vivo

1987 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
pp. 180-186 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. A. Whitelaw
Keyword(s):  
X Rays ◽  
Serial Sections ◽  
Ct Scanner ◽  
Transdiaphragmatic Pressure ◽  
Rib Cage ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Residual Capacity ◽  
The Right ◽  
Saddle Shape

Serial computerized tomograph (CT) sections at 5-mm intervals of a human diaphragm in relaxed and contracted states were obtained in one subject while he held his breath and lay supine in a CT scanner. All sections for one state were scanned at the same chest wall configuration as monitored by rib cage and abdominal dimensions, using magnetometers. Sections were scanned at relaxed functional residual capacity and after inspiring approximately 1 liter in such a way that rib cage dimensions increased only slightly. Models of the diaphragm dome in the two states were constructed from the sets of serial sections. Diaphragm length and volume displaced were measured, the zone of apposition of diaphragm to rib cage was mapped, and the line of the diaphragm silhouette in anteroposterior and lateral X-rays identified. Coronal and sagittal sections were constructed. In the inspiration studied, the diaphragm movement displaced 680 ml. Meridian lines in sagittal, coronal, and transverse directions over the right hemidiaphragm dome shortened by 6.7–7.2 cm, but over the left dome by only 4.0–4.3 cm. Lines of X-ray silhouettes were close to meridian lines, and estimates of shortening were similar to those made previously from X-rays. The peculiar saddle shape of the muscle may help the hemidiaphragms to operate independently, the fibers of the saddle acting as an anchor for midline directed fibers of the hemidiaphragm domes. The shape of the diaphragm also has implications for the distribution of transdiaphragmatic pressure and for the kind of distortion of thelower rib cage margin that is seen during inspirations at high lung volume.

Respiratory muscle coordination and diaphragm length during expiratory threshold loading

1991 ◽  
Vol 70 (4) ◽  
pp. 1554-1562 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. D. Road ◽  
A. M. Leevers ◽  
E. Goldman ◽  
A. Grassino
Keyword(s):  
Lung Volume ◽  
Respiratory Muscle ◽  
Abdominal Muscles ◽  
Muscle Coordination ◽  
Rib Cage ◽  
Relative Contribution ◽  
Volume Functional ◽  
Residual Capacity ◽  
Anesthetized Dogs ◽  
Expiratory Muscles

Active expiration is produced by the abdominal muscles and the rib cage expiratory muscles. We hypothesized that the relative contribution of these two groups to expiration would affect diaphragmatic length and, hence, influence the subsequent inspiration. To address this question we measured the respiratory muscle response to expiratory threshold loading in spontaneously breathing anesthetized dogs. Prevagotomy, the increase in lung volume (functional residual capacity) and decrease in initial resting length of the diaphragm were attenuated by greater than 50% of values predicted by the passive relationships. Diaphragmatic activation (electromyogram) increased and tidal volume (VT) was preserved. Postvagotomy, effective expiratory muscle recruitment was abolished. The triangularis sterni muscle remained active, and the increase in lung volume was attenuated by less than 15% of that predicted by the passive relationship. Diaphragmatic length was shorter than predicted. VT was not restored, even though costal diaphragmatic and parasternal intercostal electromyogram increased. During expiratory threshold loading with abdominal muscles resected and vagus intact, recruitment of the rib cage expiratory muscles produced a reduction in lung volume comparable with prevagotomy; however, diaphragmatic length decreased markedly. Both the rib cage and abdominal expiratory muscles may defend lung volume; however, their combined action is important to restore diaphragmatic initial length and, accordingly, to preserve VT.

Detection of diaphragmatic fatigue in man by phrenic stimulation

1981 ◽  
Vol 50 (3) ◽  
pp. 538-544 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Aubier ◽  
G. Farkas ◽  
A. De Troyer ◽  
R. Mozes ◽  
C. Roussos
Keyword(s):  
Phrenic Nerve ◽  
Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Low Frequencies ◽  
Transdiaphragmatic Pressure ◽  
Control Value ◽  
Transcutaneous Stimulation ◽  
Diaphragmatic Fatigue ◽  
Residual Capacity ◽  
Stimulation Of

Transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdi) was measured at functional residual capacity (FRC) in four normal seated subjects during supramaximal, supraclavicular transcutaneous stimulation of one phrenic nerve (10, 20, 50, and 100 Hz--0.1 ms duration) before and after diaphragmatic fatigue, produced by breathing through a high alinear inspiratory resistance. Constancy of chest wall configuration was achieved by placing a cast around the abdomen and the lower one-fourth of the rib cage. Pdi increased with frequency of stimulation, so that at 10, 20, and 50 Hz, the Pdi generated was 32 +/- 4 (SE), 70 +/- 3, and 98 +/- 2% of Pdi at 100 Hz, respectively. After diaphragmatic fatigue, Pdi was less than control at all frequencies of stimulation. Recovery for high stimulation frequencies was complete at 10 min, but at low stimulation frequencies recovery was slow: after 30 min of recovery, Pdi at 20 Hz was 31 +/- 7% of the control value. It is concluded that diaphragmatic fatigue can be detected in man by transcutaneous stimulation of the phrenic nerve and that diaphragmatic strength after fatigue recovers faster at high than at low frequencies of stimulation. Furthermore, it is suggested that this long-lasting element of fatigue might occur in patients with chronic obstructive lung disease, predisposing them to respiratory failure.

Relationships among pressure, tension, and shape of the diaphragm

1983 ◽  
Vol 55 (6) ◽  
pp. 1899-1905 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. A. Whitelaw ◽  
L. E. Hajdo ◽  
J. A. Wallace
Keyword(s):  
Cross Section ◽  
Radius Of Curvature ◽  
Transdiaphragmatic Pressure ◽  
Rib Cage ◽  
Residual Capacity ◽  
Best Fitting ◽  
Pressure Generator ◽  
Free Membrane ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
Shape Changes

The shape of the diaphragm dome was calculated from transdiaphragmatic pressure and tension in the diaphragm. It was assumed that the muscle acts as a free membrane, attached at its edges to the inside of a vertical rib cage circular in cross section, that the attachments are inferior to the point at which the dome makes contract with the rib cage, and that the abdomen is filled with fluid with a hydrostatic gradient in pressure. The shape is different from a section of a sphere, with a radius of curvature substantially greater at the apex of the dome than at the sides. Observed shapes of human hemidiaphragm domes at functional residual capacity are not spherical but closely match the calculated shapes. Best-fitting shapes correspond to transdiaphragmatic pressures of about 3 cmH2O transdiaphragmatic pressure, suggesting that such a pressure and corresponding tension are present in the human diaphragm when it is at rest in an erect subject. In this model; as lung volume increases and the diaphragm shortens, its shape changes in such a way that the ratio between transdiaphragmatic pressure and tension in the diaphragm remains nearly constant, rather than increasing with volume. Such a model can explain the observation that the length-tension relationship of the muscle is much more important than curvature in determining the effectiveness of the diaphragm as a pressure generator.

Changes in the neural drive to abdominal expiratory muscles in hemorrhagic hypotension

1994 ◽  
Vol 266 (6) ◽  
pp. H2423-H2429 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. F. Fregosi
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Ventilation ◽  
Respiratory Rhythm ◽  
Abdominal Muscle ◽  
Rectus Abdominis ◽  
Abdominal Muscles ◽  
Neural Drive ◽  
Hemorrhagic Hypotension ◽  
Severe Hypotension ◽  
Expiratory Muscles ◽  
External Oblique

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that hemorrhage-induced hypotension increases the neural drive to the abdominal expiratory muscles in chloralose-urethan-anesthetized cats that are studied under conditions of constant arterial PCO2 (PaCO2) and hyperoxia. A secondary aim was to describe in detail the concomitant changes in inspired pulmonary ventilation (VI) and the pattern of breathing under these conditions. The rectified and integrated electromyogram (EMG) of the external oblique and rectus abdominis muscles and VI were recorded in moderate and severe hemorrhagic hypotension, leading to reductions in mean blood pressure of approximately 30 and 60%, respectively. The PaCO2 was prevented from falling, and the arterial PO2 was maintained at a hyperoxic level (> 200 mmHg) by adding CO2 and O2 to the inspired gas mixture. VI increased by 2.5- and 5-fold in moderate and severe hypotension (P < 0.05). The changes in VI were mediated exclusively by changes in tidal volume, indicating that the reflex did not alter the activity of respiratory rhythm-generating structures. The EMG of external oblique muscles averaged 2, 44, and 100% in control conditions and in moderate and severe hypotension, respectively; corresponding values in rectus abdominis muscles were 10, 28, and 100% (P < 0.05 for both muscles). Bilateral cervical vagotomy caused a one- to three-fold decrease in the ventilatory response to hemorrhage and abolished the increase in abdominal muscle EMG activities. In conclusion, hemorrhagic hypotension reflexly increases pulmonary ventilation and the neural drive to the abdominal muscles. The reflex is vagally mediated, but the location of the receptors was not identified.

Partitioning of inspiratory pressure swings between diaphragm and intercostal/accessory muscles

1978 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 200-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. T. Macklem ◽  
D. Gross ◽  
G. A. Grassino ◽  
C. Roussos
Keyword(s):  
Total Pressure ◽  
Pleural Pressure ◽  
Inspiratory Pressure ◽  
Abdominal Pressure ◽  
Abdominal Muscles ◽  
Transdiaphragmatic Pressure ◽  
Rib Cage ◽  
Accessory Muscle ◽  
Inspiratory Muscles ◽  
Accessory Muscles

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.

Importance of inspiratory muscle tone in maintenance of FRC in the newborn

1981 ◽  
Vol 51 (4) ◽  
pp. 830-834 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Lopes ◽  
N. L. Muller ◽  
M. H. Bryan ◽  
A. C. Bryan
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Tone ◽  
Inspiratory Muscle ◽  
Rapid Eye Movement Sleep ◽  
Sleep State ◽  
Quiet Sleep ◽  
Rib Cage ◽  
Surface Electrodes ◽  
Inspiratory Muscles ◽  
Residual Capacity ◽  
Behavioral Criteria

The importance of inspiratory muscle tone in the maintenance of functional residual capacity (FRC) in newborns was studied in eight premature infants with birth weights of 1,166 +/- 217 g and gestational age 29 +/- 1.9 wk (mean +/- SD). Rib cage and abdominal anteroposterior diameters were monitored with magnetometers, and electromyograms of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles were recorded with surface electrodes. Sleep state was monitored using electrooculogram and behavioral criteria. We assessed the decrease in tonic activity of the inspiratory muscles and the fall in end-expiratory lung volume during apnea compared with the period just preceding apnea. A total of 98 apneas were analyzed. In all instances a decrease in diaphragmatic and intercostal tone was associated with a decrease in the anteroposterior diameter of both rib cage and abdomen, indicating a fall in FRC. These changes were more marked during quiet sleep than during rapid-eye-movement sleep (P less than 0.01). Our results suggest that inspiratory muscle tone is a major determinant of FRC in the newborn.

Abdominal Muscles Dominate Contributions to Vertebral Joint Stiffness during the Push-up

2008 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 130-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel J. Howarth ◽  
Tyson A.C. Beach ◽  
Jack P. Callaghan
Keyword(s):  
Lumbar Spine ◽  
Rectus Abdominis ◽  
Erector Spinae ◽  
Abdominal Muscles ◽  
Rotational Stiffness ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
External Oblique ◽  
Axial Twist ◽  
Internal Oblique ◽  
Push Up

The goal of this study was to quantify the relative contributions of each muscle group surrounding the spine to vertebral joint rotational stiffness (VJRS) during the push-up exercise. Upper-body kinematics, three-dimensional hand forces and lumbar spine postures, and 14 channels (bilaterally from rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, latissimus dorsi, thoracic erector spinae, lumbar erector spinae, and multifidus) of trunk electromyographic (EMG) activity were collected from 11 males and used as inputs to a biomechanical model that determined the individual contributions of 10 muscle groups surrounding the lumbar spine to VJRS at five lumbar vertebral joints (L1-L2 to L5-S1). On average, the abdominal muscles contributed 64.32 ± 8.50%, 86.55 ± 1.13%, and 83.84 ± 1.95% to VJRS about the flexion/extension, lateral bend, and axial twist axes, respectively. Rectus abdominis contributed 43.16 ± 3.44% to VJRS about the flexion/extension axis at each lumbar joint, and external oblique and internal oblique, respectively contributed 52.61 ± 7.73% and 62.13 ± 8.71% to VJRS about the lateral bend and axial twist axes, respectively, at all lumbar joints with the exception of L5-S1. Owing to changes in moment arm length, the external oblique and internal oblique, respectively contributed 55.89% and 50.01% to VJRS about the axial twist and lateral bend axes at L5-S1. Transversus abdominis, multifidus, and the spine extensors contributed minimally to VJRS during the push-up exercise. The push-up challenges the abdominal musculature to maintain VJRS. The orientation of the abdominal muscles suggests that each muscle primarily controls the rotational stiffness about a single axis.

Chest wall distortion during resistive inspiratory loading

1985 ◽  
Vol 58 (5) ◽  
pp. 1646-1653 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. R. Ringel ◽  
S. H. Loring ◽  
J. Mead ◽  
R. H. Ingram
Keyword(s):  
Chest Wall ◽  
Wall Motion ◽  
Respiratory Muscles ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Abdominal Muscles ◽  
Transdiaphragmatic Pressure ◽  
Rib Cage ◽  
Circular Configuration ◽  
Chest Wall Motion ◽  
Resistive Loads

We studied six (1 naive and 5 experienced) subjects breathing with added inspiratory resistive loads while we recorded chest wall motion (anteroposterior rib cage, anteroposterior abdomen, and lateral rib cage) and tidal volumes. In the five experienced subjects, transdiaphragmatic and pleural pressures, and electromyographs of the sternocleidomastoid and abdominal muscles were also measured. Subjects inspired against the resistor spontaneously and then with specific instructions to reach a target pleural or transdiaphragmatic pressure or to maximize selected electromyographic activities. Depending on the instructions, a wide variety of patterns of inspiratory motion resulted. Although the forces leading to a more elliptical or circular configuration of the chest wall can be identified, it is difficult to analyze or predict the configurational results based on insertional and pressure-related contributions of a few individual respiratory muscles. Although overall chest wall respiratory motion cannot be readily inferred from the electromyographic and pressure data we recorded, it is clear that responses to loading can vary substantially within and between individuals. Undoubtedly, the underlying mechanism for the distortional changes with loading are complex and perhaps many are behavioral rather than automatic and/or compensatory.

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