Effect of bronchial thermoplasty on static and dynamic lung compliance and resistance in patients with severe persistent asthma.

Rationale: Bronchial thermoplasty (BT) reduces severity and frequency of bronchoconstriction and symptoms in severe, persistent asthmatics although it is usually not associated with change in spirometric variables. Other than spirometry. there are almost no data on changes in lung mechanics following BT.

Peak Quadriceps Muscle Torque and Electromyographic Output in Patients With Chronic Respiratory Disorders: Effects of Pulmonary Rehabilitation.

Objective: To assess the change in relation of the peak quadriceps electromyographic signal to the peak torque produced during a train of 5 isokinetic knee extensions (from 90 degrees below horizontal at a constant speed of 60 degrees/s) at baseline, and at 4 and 8 weeks of pulmonary rehabilitation.

Design: In this prospective observational study, isokinetic contractions were recorded during the extensions from the knee bent at 90 degrees to the horizontal plane against graded resistance. Peak quadriceps torque signal (Tq) and peak electromyographic signal (Eq) were recorded by dynamometry and surface electrodes placed at designated locations over the muscle group, respectively.

Respiratory considerations in patients with neuromuscular disorders.

Patients with neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) develop respiratory impairment as muscles weaken. Ensuing complications include reductions in lung volume, compliance, and cough ability and increased risk for lung infections. Sleep disordered breathing results from weakened upper airway muscles and/or impaired central ventilatory control systems.

Methods and Applications in Respiratory Physiology: Respiratory Mechanics, Drive and Muscle Function in Neuromuscular and Chest Wall Disorders.

Individuals with neuromuscular and chest wall disorders experience respiratory muscle weakness, reduced lung volume and increases in respiratory elastance and resistance which lead to increase in work of breathing, impaired gas exchange and respiratory pump failure. Recently developed methods to assess respiratory muscle weakness, mechanics and movement supplement traditionally employed spirometry and methods to evaluate gas exchange. These include recording postural change in vital capacity, respiratory pressures (mouth and sniff), electromyography and ultrasound evaluation of diaphragmatic thickness and excursions.