Effect of thoracoabdominal breathing patterns on inspiratory effort sensation

1987 ◽  
Vol 62 (4) ◽  
pp. 1665-1670 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. W. Fitting ◽  
D. A. Chartrand ◽  
T. D. Bradley ◽  
K. J. Killian ◽  
A. Grassino

The respiratory sensations evoked by added inspiratory loads are currently thought to be largely mediated by the activity of the inspiratory muscles. Because of the differences in proprioceptors and in afferent and efferent innervations among the inspiratory muscles, we hypothesized that the sensation evoked by a given load would be different when the motor command is directed mainly to rib cage muscles or mainly to the diaphragm. To test this hypothesis, we studied six normal subjects breathing against several inspiratory resistances while emphasizing the use of rib cage muscles, or the diaphragm, or a combination of both. At the end of 10 loaded breaths the subjects rated the perceived magnitude of inspiratory effort on a Borg scale. A linear and unique relationship (r = 0.96 +/- 0.02; P less than 0.001) was found between the sensation and esophageal pressure (Pes) in the three thoracoabdominal breathing patterns. We conclude that the level of Pes, whether generated mainly by the rib cage muscles or the diaphragm, is the main variable related to the sensation of inspiratory effort under external inspiratory loads.

1988 ◽  
Vol 64 (3) ◽  
pp. 959-965 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. W. Fitting ◽  
T. D. Bradley ◽  
P. A. Easton ◽  
M. J. Lincoln ◽  
M. D. Goldman ◽  
...  

To assess rib cage muscle fatigue and its relationship to diaphragmatic fatigue, we recorded the electromyogram (EMG) of the parasternal intercostals (PS), sternocleidomastoid (SM), and platysma with fine wire electrodes and the EMG of the diaphragm (DI) with an esophageal electrode. Six normal subjects were studied during inspiratory resistive breathing. Two different breathing patterns were imposed: mainly diaphragmatic or mainly rib cage breathing. The development of fatigue was assessed by analysis of the high-to-low (H/L) ratio of the EMG. To determine the appropriate frequency bands for the PS and SM, we established their EMG power spectrum by Fourier analysis. The mean and SD for the centroid frequency was 312 ± 16 Hz for PS and 244 ± 48 Hz for SM. When breathing with the diaphragmatic patterns, all subjects showed a fall in H/L of the DI and none had a fall in H/L of the PS or SM. During rib cage emphasis, four out of five subjects showed a fall in H/L of the PS and five out of six showed a fall in H/L of the SM. Four subjects showed no fall in H/L of the DI; the other two subjects were unable to inhibit diaphragm activity to a substantial degree and did show a fall in H/L of the DI. Activity of the platysma was minimal or absent during diaphragmatic emphasis but was usually strong during rib cage breathing. We conclude that fatigue of either the diaphragm or the parasternal and sternocleidomastoid can occur independently according to the recruitment pattern of inspiratory muscles.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


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.


1986 ◽  
Vol 60 (1) ◽  
pp. 299-303 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. D. McCool ◽  
D. R. McCann ◽  
D. E. Leith ◽  
F. G. Hoppin

We examined the effects of varying inspiratory pressures and flows on inspiratory muscle endurance. Four normal subjects performed voluntary forced breathing with various assigned inspiratory tasks. Duty cycle, tidal volume, and mean lung volume were the same in all tasks. Mean esophageal pressure, analogous to a pressure-time integral (PTes), was varied over a wide range. In each task the subject maintained an assigned PTes while breathing on one of a range of inspiratory resistors, and this gave a range of inspiratory flows at any given PTes. Inspiratory muscle endurance for each task was assessed by the length of time the task could be maintained (Tlim). For a given resistor, Tlim increased as PTes decreased. At a given PTes, Tlim increased as the external resistance increased and therefore as mean inspiratory flow rate (VI) decreased. Furthermore, for a given Tlim, PTes and VI were linearly related with a negative slope. We conclude that inspiratory flow, probably because of its relationship to the velocity of muscle shortening, is an independent variable importantly influencing endurance of the inspiratory muscles.


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.


1972 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-128 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Bake ◽  
A. R. Fugl-Meyer ◽  
G. Grimby

1. The regional distribution of ventilation was studied with 133Xe techniques in the sitting position in six patients with complete traumatic transection of the cervical spinal cord, 3–40 months after the lesion, and in four normal subjects. The relative contributions of the rib cage and abdomen to ventilation were determined from chest-wall motions. 2. Total lung capacity (TLC) was decreased and residual volume increased in the patients. After correction for the decreased TLC, the distribution of the regional functional residual capacity in the tetraplegic patients was similar to that of the normal subjects. In the patients, where the abdomen contributed to about half of the tidal volume, decreased ventilation of basal regions was demonstrated from measurements of regional tidal volumes (Vtr) and regional 133Xe wash-in curves. 3. The distribution of ventilation in normal persons, however, was not changed by varying the relative contributions of the rib cage and abdomen to the tidal volume, as shown from Vtr and regional 133Xe wash-out measurements. 4. The results in the tetraplegic patients are interpreted as evidence of ‘small airway disease’, presumably from infection of the air way and impairment of the cough.


1985 ◽  
Vol 58 (5) ◽  
pp. 1703-1712 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. D. McCool ◽  
S. H. Loring ◽  
J. Mead

We examined chest wall and rib cage configuration in seven normal subjects during a variety of breathing maneuvers. Magnetometers were used to measure lower rib cage anteroposterior, lower rib cage transverse, upper rib cage anteroposterior, and abdomen anteroposterior diameters. Changes of these diameters were recorded during voluntary maneuvers, rebreathing, reading, and “natural” breathing. Relative motion of the rib cage and abdomen was displayed with the rib cage represented by the product of its lower anteroposterior and transverse diameters. During spontaneous breathing the rib cage and chest wall are near their relaxation configuration. During chemically driven ventilation the chest wall and rib cage progressively depart from this configuration. Much greater distortions of the chest wall and rib cage occurred during some voluntary maneuvers. Additionally, esophageal pressure and gastric pressure were measured during voluntary distortion of the rib cage. Substantial changes in lower rib cage shape occurred during voluntary maneuvers when compared with spontaneous breaths at the same transmural pressure. We conclude that the unitary behavior of the rib cage in normal subjects requires muscle coordination.


1986 ◽  
Vol 60 (5) ◽  
pp. 1561-1570 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. B. Reid ◽  
S. H. Loring ◽  
R. B. Banzett ◽  
J. Mead

We have determined the mechanical effects of immersion to the neck on the passive chest wall of seated upright humans. Repeated measurements were made at relaxed end expiration on four subjects. Changes in relaxed chest wall configuration were measured using magnetometers. Gastric and esophageal pressures were measured with balloon-tipped catheters in three subjects; from these, transdiaphragmatic pressure was calculated. Transabdominal pressure was estimated using a fluid-filled, open-tipped catheter referenced to the abdomen's exterior vertical surface. We found that immersion progressively reduced mean transabdominal pressure to near zero and that the relaxed abdominal wall was moved inward 3–4 cm. The viscera were displaced upward into the thorax, gastric pressure increased by 20 cmH2O, and transdiaphragmatic pressure decreased by 10–15 cmH2O. This lengthened the diaphragm, elevating the diaphragmatic dome 3–4 cm. Esophageal pressure became progressively more positive throughout immersion, increasing by 8 cmH2O. The relaxed rib cage was elevated and expanded by raising water from hips to lower sternum; this passively shortened the inspiratory intercostals and the accessory muscles of inspiration. Deeper immersion distorted the thorax markedly: the upper rib cage was forced inward while lower rib cage shape was not systematically altered and the rib cage remained elevated. Such distortion may have passively lengthened or shortened the inspiratory muscles of the rib cage, depending on their location. We conclude that the nonuniform forcing produced by immersion provides unique insights into the mechanical characteristics of the abdomen and rib cage, that immersion-induced length changes differ among the inspiratory muscles according to their locations and the depth of immersion, and that such length changes may have implications for patients with inspiratory muscle deficits.


2003 ◽  
Vol 95 (4) ◽  
pp. 1542-1549 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisco García-Río ◽  
José M. Pino ◽  
Angeles Ruiz ◽  
Salvador Díaz ◽  
Concepción Prados ◽  
...  

Mean inspiratory pressure (Pi), estimated from the occlusion pressure at the mouth and the inspiratory time, is useful as a noninvasive estimate of respiratory muscle effort during spontaneous breathing in normal subjects and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The aim of this study was to compare the Pi with respect to mean esophageal pressure (Pes) in patients with restrictive disorders. Eleven healthy volunteers, 12 patients with chest wall disease, 14 patients with usual interstitial pneumonia, and 17 patients with neuromuscular diseases were studied. Pi, Pes, and mean transdiaphragmatic pressure were simultaneously measured. Tension-time indexes of diaphragm (TTdi) and inspiratory muscles (TTmu) were also determined. In neuromuscular patients, significant correlations were found between Pi and Pes, Pi and transdiaphragmatic pressure, and TTmu and TTdi. A moderate agreement between Pi and Pes and between TTmu and TTdi was found. No significant correlation between these parameters was found in the other patient groups. These findings suggest that Pi is a good surrogate for the invasive measurement of respiratory muscle effort during spontaneous breathing in neuromuscular patients.


1979 ◽  
Vol 46 (6) ◽  
pp. 1071-1075 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. A. Saunders ◽  
S. M. Kreitzer ◽  
R. H. Ingram

Patterns of rib cage (RC) deformation were studied in six normal subjects during moderate static inspiratory efforts such that esophageal pressure (Pes) as an index of transthoracic pressure fell to between -30 and -60 cmH2O during each maneuver. At lung volumes below 50% inspiratory capacity (IC), static inspiratory efforts deformed RC to a more elliptical shape; RC lateral diameter became smaller and RC lateral diameter became larger. However, at high lung volumes (greater than 50% IC) the opposite change in RC dimensions occurred despite similar changes in Pes, i.e., the RC became more circular. These differences in RC deformation did not appear to be a possive consequence of increased lung volume because the RC could be voluntarily deformed to a more circular shape at low lung volume when a) subjects performed static inspiratory efforts mainly with their intercostal and accessory muscles rather than their diaphragm as judged by a smaller change in transdiaphragmatic pressure for the same Pes; or b) subjects statically contracted their diaphragm with it held in a relatively flattened configuration as assessed by a large abdominal AP dimension. We suggest that deformation of the RC during static inspiratory efforts is not as predictable as has previously been suggested but depends on the pattern of contraction and configuration of the respiratory muscles.


1982 ◽  
Vol 53 (6) ◽  
pp. 1481-1486 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. F. DiMarco ◽  
D. A. Wolfson ◽  
S. B. Gottfried ◽  
M. D. Altose

To investigate the influence of respiratory muscle tension and feedback from rib cage receptors, the sensation of inspired volume was compared in normal subjects and quadriplegic patients during active breathing, with and without the addition of an inspiratory resistive load, and during passive ventilation produced by a tank respirator. In separate trials, volume sensation was assessed using tests of magnitude estimation and volume reproduction. The mean exponents and standard errors for the magnitude estimation of inspired volume in normal subjects were 1.32 +/- 0.08, 1.24 +/- 0.06, and 1.23 +/- 0.09 during passive, active, and loaded breathing, respectively. These values were not significantly different from one another, nor were there any differences between normal subjects and quadriplegics. During volume reproduction trials where the mechanical conditions were different between control and test breaths, the inspired volumes during active unloaded breathing were significantly smaller than during passive ventilation but greater than the inspired volumes during loaded breathing. Errors in volume reproduction were no different in normal subjects and quadriplegics, suggesting that inputs from rib cage receptors are not essential for the sensation of inspired volume. The sensation of inspired volume in both normal subjects and quadriplegics was found to be unaffected by inhalation of a 2% lidocaine solution. This suggests that upper airway receptors are also not essential for volume sensation. The intensity of the sensation of a given inspired volume may depend on the level of the central nervous system motor command and/or on the tension developed by the diaphragm.


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