Lung and chest wall mechanics in microgravity

1991 ◽  
Vol 71 (5) ◽  
pp. 1956-1966 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Edyvean ◽  
M. Estenne ◽  
M. Paiva ◽  
L. A. Engel
Keyword(s):  
Chest Wall ◽  
Dynamic Compliance ◽  
Normal Subjects ◽  
Abdominal Pressure ◽  
Transdiaphragmatic Pressure ◽  
Gastric Pressure ◽  
Abdominal Compliance ◽  
Consistent Change ◽  
Residual Capacity ◽  
Measured Flow

We studied the effect of 15–20 s of weightlessness on lung, chest wall, and abdominal mechanics in five normal subjects inside an aircraft flying repeated parabolic trajectories. We measured flow at the mouth, thoracoabdominal and compartmental volume changes, and gastric pressure (Pga). In two subjects, esophageal pressures were measured as well, allowing for estimates of transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdi). In all subjects functional residual capacity at 0 Gz decreased by 244 +/- 31 ml as a result of the inward displacement of the abdomen. End-expiratory Pga decreased from 6.8 +/- 0.8 cmH2O at 1 Gz to 2.5 +/- 0.3 cmH2O at Gz (P less than 0.005). Abdominal contribution to tidal volume increased from 0.33 +/- 0.05 to 0.51 +/- 0.04 at 0 Gz (P less than 0.001) but delta Pga showed no consistent change. Hence abdominal compliance increased from 43 +/- 9 to 70 +/- 10 ml/cmH2O (P less than 0.05). There was no consistent effect of Gz on tidal swings of Pdi, on pulmonary resistance and dynamic compliance, or on any of the timing parameters determining the temporal pattern of breathing. The results indicate that at 0 G respiratory mechanics are intermediate between those in the upright and supine postures at 1 G. In addition, analysis of end-expiratory pressures suggests that during weightlessness intra-abdominal pressure is zero, the diaphragm is passively tensed, and a residual small pleural pressure gradient may be present.

Effects of increased +Gz on chest wall mechanics in humans

1995 ◽  
Vol 78 (3) ◽  
pp. 997-1003 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Estenne ◽  
A. Van Muylem ◽  
W. Kinnear ◽  
M. Gorini ◽  
V. Ninane ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chest Wall ◽  
Minute Ventilation ◽  
Normal Subjects ◽  
Abdominal Pressure ◽  
Transdiaphragmatic Pressure ◽  
Parabolic Flights ◽  
Linear Effect ◽  
Chest Wall Mechanics ◽  
Abdominal Compliance ◽  
Tidal Changes

We studied the effects of head-to-foot acceleration (+Gz) on chest wall mechanics in five normal subjects seated in a human centrifuge. Results were compared with those previously obtained in the same subjects in microgravity during parabolic flights. In all subjects, end-expiratory abdominal pressure (Pga) and volume (Vab) increased with Gz. On average, end-expiratory Pga increased from 7.4 +/- 1.7 cmH2O at + 1 Gz to 14.9 +/- 2.8 cmH2O at + 3 Gz and end-expiratory Vab increased by 0.32 +/- 0.06 liter between + 1 and + 3 Gz. On the other hand, the abdominal contribution to tidal volume (Vab/VT) and abdominal compliance decreased from 34.7 +/- 5.9% and 52 +/- 6 ml/cmH2O at + 1 Gz to 29.3 +/- 5.1% and 26 +/- 4 ml/cmH2O at + 3 Gz, respectively. Changes in end-expiratory Pga were linear between 0 and + 3 Gz, but changes in end-expiratory Vab, Vab/VT, and abdominal compliance were greater in microgravity than in hypergravity. In contrast to weightlessness, which did not alter minute ventilation and tidal changes in Pga and transdiaphragmatic pressure, these variables increased with increasing Gz. These results indicate that, although changes in Gz have a linear effect on abdominal transmural pressure, hypergravity and weightlessness do not have symmetrical effects on chest wall mechanics.

scholarly journals Respiratory dynamics during laughter

2001 ◽  
Vol 90 (4) ◽  
pp. 1441-1446 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario Filippelli ◽  
Riccardo Pellegrino ◽  
Iacopo Iandelli ◽  
Gianni Misuri ◽  
Joseph R. Rodarte ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chest Wall ◽  
Lung Volume ◽  
Dynamic Compression ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Normal Subjects ◽  
Average Frequency ◽  
Abdominal Pressure ◽  
Sudden Increase ◽  
Lung Volumes ◽  
Transdiaphragmatic Pressure

Lung and chest wall mechanics were studied during fits of laughter in 11 normal subjects. Laughing was naturally induced by showing clips of the funniest scenes from a movie by Roberto Benigni. Chest wall volume was measured by using a three-dimensional optoelectronic plethysmography and was partitioned into upper thorax, lower thorax, and abdominal compartments. Esophageal (Pes) and gastric (Pga) pressures were measured in seven subjects. All fits of laughter were characterized by a sudden occurrence of repetitive expiratory efforts at an average frequency of 4.6 ± 1.1 Hz, which led to a final drop in functional residual capacity (FRC) by 1.55 ± 0.40 liter ( P < 0.001). All compartments similarly contributed to the decrease of lung volumes. The average duration of the fits of laughter was 3.7 ± 2.2 s. Most of the events were associated with sudden increase in Pes well beyond the critical pressure necessary to generate maximum expiratory flow at a given lung volume. Pga increased more than Pes at the end of the expiratory efforts by an average of 27 ± 7 cmH2O. Transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdi) at FRC and at 10% and 20% control forced vital capacity below FRC was significantly higher than Pdi at the same absolute lung volumes during a relaxed maneuver at rest ( P < 0.001). We conclude that fits of laughter consistently lead to sudden and substantial decrease in lung volume in all respiratory compartments and remarkable dynamic compression of the airways. Further mechanical stress would have applied to all the organs located in the thoracic cavity if the diaphragm had not actively prevented part of the increase in abdominal pressure from being transmitted to the chest wall cavity.

Chest wall mechanics in sustained microgravity

1998 ◽  
Vol 84 (6) ◽  
pp. 2060-2065 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muriel Wantier ◽  
Marc Estenne ◽  
Sylvia Verbanck ◽  
G. Kim Prisk ◽  
Manuel Paiva
Keyword(s):  
Tidal Volume ◽  
Chest Wall ◽  
Functional Residual Capacity ◽  
Postural Change ◽  
Rib Cage ◽  
Chest Wall Mechanics ◽  
Supine Posture ◽  
Abdominal Compliance ◽  
Residual Capacity ◽  
Measured Flow

We assessed the effects of sustained weightlessness on chest wall mechanics in five astronauts who were studied before, during, and after the 10-day Spacelab D-2 mission ( n = 3) and the 180-day Euromir-95 mission ( n= 2). We measured flow and pressure at the mouth and rib cage and abdominal volumes during resting breathing and during a relaxation maneuver from midinspiratory capacity to functional residual capacity. Microgravity produced marked and consistent changes (Δ) in the contribution of the abdomen to tidal volume [ΔVab/(ΔVab + ΔVrc), where Vab is abdominal volume and Vrc is rib cage volume], which increased from 30.7 ± 3.5 (SE)% at 1 G head-to-foot acceleration to 58.3 ± 5.7% at 0 G head-to-foot acceleration ( P < 0.005). Values of ΔVab/(ΔVab + ΔVrc) did not change significantly during the 180 days of the Euromir mission, but in the two subjects ΔVab/(ΔVab + ΔVrc) was greater on postflight day 1 than on subsequent postflight days or preflight. In the two subjects who produced satisfactory relaxation maneuvers, the slope of the Konno-Mead plot decreased in microgravity; this decrease was entirely accounted for by an increase in abdominal compliance because rib cage compliance did not change. These alterations are similar to those previously reported during short periods of weightlessness inside aircrafts flying parabolic trajectories. They are also qualitatively similar to those observed on going from upright to supine posture; however, in contrast to microgravity, such postural change reduces rib cage compliance.

Abdominal distension alters regional pleural pressures and chest wall mechanics in pigs in vivo

1991 ◽  
Vol 70 (6) ◽  
pp. 2611-2618 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Mutoh ◽  
W. J. Lamm ◽  
L. J. Embree ◽  
J. Hildebrandt ◽  
R. K. Albert
Keyword(s):  
Chest Wall ◽  
Respiratory System ◽  
Functional Residual Capacity ◽  
Total Lung Capacity ◽  
Abdominal Cavity ◽  
Abdominal Distension ◽  
Abdominal Pressure ◽  
Lung Capacity ◽  
Lung Expansion ◽  
Residual Capacity

Abdominal distension (AD) occurs in pregnancy and is also commonly seen in patients with ascites from various causes. Because the abdomen forms part of the "chest wall," the purpose of this study was to clarify the effects of AD on ventilatory mechanics. Airway pressure, four (vertical) regional pleural pressures, and abdominal pressure were measured in five anesthetized, paralyzed, and ventilated upright pigs. The effects of AD on the lung and chest wall were studied by inflating a liquid-filled balloon placed in the abdominal cavity. Respiratory system, chest wall, and lung pressure-volume (PV) relationships were measured on deflation from total lung capacity to residual volume, as well as in the tidal breathing range, before and 15 min after abdominal pressure was raised. Increasing abdominal pressure from 3 to 15 cmH2O decreased total lung capacity and functional residual capacity by approximately 40% and shifted the respiratory system and chest wall PV curves downward and to the right. Much smaller downward shifts in lung deflation curves were seen, with no change in the transdiaphragmatic PV relationship. All regional pleural pressures increased (became less negative) and, in the dependent region, approached 0 cmH2O at functional residual capacity. Tidal compliances of the respiratory system, chest wall, and lung were decreased 43, 42, and 48%, respectively. AD markedly alters respiratory system mechanics primarily by "stiffening" the diaphragm/abdomen part of the chest wall and secondarily by restricting lung expansion, thus shifting the lung PV curve as seen after chest strapping. The less negative pleural pressures in the dependent lung regions suggest that nonuniformities of ventilation could also be accentuated and gas exchange impaired by AD.

Respiratory mechanics in the anesthetized rat

1978 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 255-260 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. L. Lai ◽  
J. Hildebrandt
Keyword(s):  
Chest Wall ◽  
Respiratory System ◽  
Esophageal Pressure ◽  
Gas Content ◽  
Lung Capacity ◽  
Consistent Change ◽  
Residual Capacity ◽  
Wall Compliance ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Body Plethysmograph

Functional residual capacity (FRC) and pressure-volume (PV) curves of the lung, chest wall, and total respiratory system were studied in 15 anesthetized rats, weighing 307 +/- 10 (SE) g. Pleural pressure was estimated from the esophageal pressure measured with a water-filled catheter. The FRC determined by body plethysmograph was slightly and significantly larger than FRC determined from saline displacement of excised lungs. The difference may be accounted for by O2 uptake by lung tissue, escape of CO2 through the pleura, and abdominal gas. Paralysis in the prone position did not affect FRC, and abdominal gas content contributed only slightly to the FRC measured by body plethysmograph. Values of various pulmonary parameters (mean +/- SE) were as follows: residual volume, 1.26 +/- 0.13 ml; FRC, 2.51 +/- 0.20 ml; total lung capacity, 12.23 +/- 0.55 ml; compliance of the lung, 0.90 +/- 0.06 ml/cmH2O; chest wall compliance, 1.50 +/- 0.11 ml/cmH2O; and respiratory system compliance, 0.57 +/- 0.03 ml/cmH2O. The lung PV curve did not show a consistent change after the chest was opened.

Assessment of transdiaphragmatic pressure in humans

1985 ◽  
Vol 58 (5) ◽  
pp. 1469-1476 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Laporta ◽  
A. Grassino
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Visual Feedback ◽  
Random Order ◽  
Normal Subjects ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Disease Group ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Transdiaphragmatic Pressure ◽  
Residual Capacity ◽  
Group 1

Maximal force developed by the diaphragm at functional residual capacity is a useful index to establish muscle weakness; however, great disparity in its reproducibility can be observed among reports in the literature. We evaluated five maneuvers to measure maximal transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdimax) in order to establish best reproducibility and value. Thirty-five naive subjects, including 10 normal subjects (group 1), 12 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (group 2), and 13 patients with restrictive pulmonary disease (group 3), were studied. Each subject performed five separate maneuvers in random order that were repeated until reproducible values were obtained. The maneuvers were Mueller with (A) and without mouthpiece (B), abdominal expulsive effort with open glottis (C), two-step (maneuver C combined with Mueller effort) (D), and feedback [two-step with visual feedback of pleural (Ppl) and abdominal (Pab) pressure] (E). The greatest reproducible Pdimax values were obtained with maneuver E (P less than 0.01) (group 1: 180 +/- 14 cmH2O). The second best maneuvers were A, B, and D (group 1: 154 +/- 25 cmH2O). Maneuver C produced the lowest values. For all maneuvers, group 1 produced higher values than groups 2 and 3 (P less than 0.001), which were similar. The Ppl to Pdi ratio was 0.6 in maneuvers A and B, 0.4 in D and E, and 0.2 in C. We conclude that visual feedback of Ppl and Pab helped the subjects to elicit maximal diaphragmatic effort in a reproducible fashion. It is likely that the great variability of values in Pdimax previously reported are the result of inadequate techniques.

Effect of chest wall distortion on occlusion pressure and the preterm diaphragm

1983 ◽  
Vol 55 (2) ◽  
pp. 359-364 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. N. LeSouef ◽  
J. M. Lopes ◽  
S. J. England ◽  
M. H. Bryan ◽  
A. C. Bryan
Keyword(s):  
Chest Wall ◽  
Preterm Infants ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Respiratory Drive ◽  
Occlusion Pressure ◽  
Transdiaphragmatic Pressure ◽  
Airway Occlusion ◽  
Mouth Pressure ◽  
Gastric Pressure ◽  
Mouth Occlusion Pressure

We studied the effect of chest wall distortion (CWD) on transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdi) and/or mouth pressure during end-expiratory airway occlusions in seven preterm infants. We measured mouth occlusion pressure (Pmo) with a face mask and pressure transducer, gastric pressure (Pga) with a fluid-filled catheter, diaphragmatic electromyogram (Edi) using surface electrodes, and rib cage and abdominal motion using magnetometers. We reasoned that Pdi = Pmo - Pga on airway occlusion. Periods with maximal and periods with minimal CWD were compared. We found that 1) when CWD was minimal, an increase in Edi produced an increase in Pmo and Pdi in all infants; when CWD was greatest, large increases in Edi produced no increase in Pmo or Pdi in four infants; 2) when breaths with the same Pmo or Pdi from each period in each infant were compared, those from the period with greatest CWD had an increased Edi (mean increase 76%, P less than 0.005, and 144%, P less than 0.01, for Pmo and Pdi, respectively). We conclude that in preterm infants, Pmo can be a poor indicator of respiratory drive, and CWD markedly limits the effectiveness of the diaphragm as a force generator.

Effects of fenoterol on inspiratory effort sensation and fatigue during inspiratory threshold loading

1996 ◽  
Vol 80 (3) ◽  
pp. 727-733 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Suzuki ◽  
S. Suzuki ◽  
T. Okubo
Keyword(s):  
Low Frequency ◽  
Normal Subjects ◽  
Motor Command ◽  
Inspiratory Effort ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Endurance Time ◽  
Transdiaphragmatic Pressure ◽  
Mouth Pressure ◽  
Residual Capacity ◽  
Low Frequency Power

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.

Effects of separate rib cage and abdominal restriction on exercise performance in normal humans

1985 ◽  
Vol 58 (6) ◽  
pp. 2020-2026 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. N. Hussain ◽  
B. Rabinovitch ◽  
P. T. Macklem ◽  
R. L. Pardy
Keyword(s):  
Minute Ventilation ◽  
Normal Subjects ◽  
Cycle Ergometer ◽  
Abdominal Muscle ◽  
Work Rate ◽  
Abdominal Pressure ◽  
Transdiaphragmatic Pressure ◽  
Rib Cage ◽  
Constant Work Rate ◽  
And Control

We assessed the effects of selective restriction of movements of the rib cage (Res,rc) and abdomen (Res,ab) on ventilatory pattern, transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdi), and electrical activity of the diaphragm (Edi) in five normal subjects exercising at a constant work rate (80% of maximum power output) on a cycle ergometer till exhaustion. Restriction of movements was achieved by an inelastic corset applied tightly around the rib cage or abdomen. Edi was recorded by an esophageal electrode, rectified, and then integrated, and peak values during inspiration were measured. Each subject exercised at the same work rate on 3 days: with Res,rc, with Res,ab, and without restriction (control). Res,rc but not Res,ab reduced exercise time (tlim). Up to tlim, minute ventilation (VE) was similar in all three conditions. At any level of VE, however, Res,rc decreased tidal volume and inspiratory and expiratory time, whereas Res,ab had no effect on the pattern of breathing. Res,ab was associated with higher inspiratory Pdi swings at any level of VE, whereas peak Edi was similar to control. Inspiratory Pdi swings were the same with Res,rc as control, but the peak Edi for a given Pdi was greater with Res,rc (P less than 0.05). During Res,rc the abdominal pressure swings in expiration were greater than with Res,ab and control. We conclude that Res,rc altered the pattern of breathing in normal subjects in high-intensity exercise, decreased diaphragmatic contractility, increased abdominal muscle recruitment in expiration, and reduced tlim. On the other hand, Res,ab had no effect on breathing pattern or tlim but was associated with increased diaphragmatic contractility.

Force reserve of the diaphragm in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

1983 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 8-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Bellemare ◽  
A. Grassino
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Normal Subjects ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Cycle Duration ◽  
Inspiratory Time ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Transdiaphragmatic Pressure ◽  
Copd Patients ◽  
Gastric Pressure

The fatigue threshold of the human diaphragm in normal subjects corresponds to a transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdi)-inspiratory time integral (TTdi) of about 15% of Pdimax. The TTdi of resting ventilation was measured in 20 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and ranged between 1 and 12% of Pdimax (mean 5%). TTdi was significantly related to total airway resistance (Raw) (r = 0.57; P less than 0.05). Five of these patients were asked to voluntarily modify their TI/TT (ratio of inspiratory time to total cycle duration; from 0.33 to 0.49) so as to increase their TTdi from a control value of 8% to an imposed value of 17% of Pdimax. The imposed pattern induced a progressive decline in the high-frequency (150-350 Hz)/low-frequency (20-40 Hz) power ratio (H/L) of the diaphragm electromyogram (fatigue pattern), quantitatively similar to that seen in normal subjects breathing with similar TTdi levels. The decay in H/L was followed by a progressive fall in mean Pdi meanly due to decrease in gastric pressure swings. It is concluded that 1) the force reserve of the diaphragm in COPD patients is decreased because of a decrease in Pdimax; 2) the remaining force reserve of the diaphragm can be exhausted by even minor modifications in the breathing pattern; and 3) at a TI/TT of 0.40 our COPD patients can increase their mean Pdi 3-fold before reaching a fatiguing pattern of breathing compared with 8-fold in normal subjects.

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