Abstract
Abstract Similar to the peripheral skeletal muscles, the function of the respiratory skeletal muscles is affected by obesity. Obesity causes impairments to chest wall mechanics, reductions in lung volumes, and increased total respiratory system resistance. In addition, obesity-related chronic inflammation may also impair the contractile properties and force generating capacity of the respiratory muscles. These impairments and increased demands result in reductions in respiratory muscle strength and endurance. Reductions in respiratory muscle strength and endurance may contribute to the diminished cardiorespiratory fitness, abnormal ventilatory responses, and adverse symptoms often observed during exercise in obese individuals. Impaired respiratory muscle function and increased demands may also predispose obese individuals to pulmonary complications such as pneumonias, especially in perioperative state. Specific training to these muscles [respiratory muscle training (RMT)] is effective at addressing these impairments to respiratory muscle function and may improve tolerance to physical activity and exercise in obese individuals. Preoperative and perioperative RMT may also reduce the risk of pulmonary complications and facilitate recovery of pulmonary function following surgery. Given these relationships between obesity, respiratory muscle function, and health related outcomes, an assessment of respiratory muscle performance and RMT should be considered in the clinical management of obese patients, especially those with dyspnea.
Published Version
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