Respiratory muscle strength the tetraplegic patients

Abstract

Most patients with high spinal cord lesion (CÍ-CÓ) present decreased respiratory function, which is the principal cause of mortality among these individuals, especially during the early period pos lesion. These patients usually show reduced pulmonary volumes and capacities, impaired pulmonary function, and decreased respiratory muscle strength. Ten patients with Spinal Cord Injury (C4 to C7) were studied in order to evaluate the maximal inspiratory pressure (PImáx), maximal expiratory pressure (PEmáx), and forced vital capacity (F VC), which were measured
in supine and sitting positions. The measurements were taken according to international standards, and determined in a random order. The researcher was blinded to the measurement values. The obtained data were compared with the predict values in both positions (supine and sitting) according to Wicoxon's Test. The significance was set at 0.05 level. The obtained values of PImax, PEmáx, and FVC, in the sitting position, were smaller than the expected values (PImáx = 60 ± 17,15 cm H20 , 50% predicted; PEmáx = 22 ± 5,69 cm H2O,10% predicted and CVF = 1,60 ± 0,55 L, 41% predicted) (p < 0,05). When the positions were compared, the results in the sitting position were lower than in the supine
position (PImáx = 71 + 25,42 cmH20, 60% predicted; PEmáx = 31 + 15,92 cm H20,14% predicted and CVF =2,22 ± 0,64L, 53% predicted) (p < 0,05). In conclusion, tetraplegic patients presented decreased respiratory muscles strength. In addition, the FVC values were higher in the supine position than in the sitting position.