Diaphragmatic EMG: An Alternative for Signal Detection of Disordered Breathing Events

Abstract

PURPOSE: Diverse physiological sensors have been utilized to quantify airflow limitation and respiratory effort in patients with suspected sleep related breathing disorders (SRBD). Due to both a lack of research and established guidelines, the diaphragmatic EMG (DEMG) is not recommended as a mandatory measurement of respiratory effort in general patient population. The current gold standard for defining central apnea requires an absence of both airflow and respiratory effort. We hypothesized that DEMG is as effective as the respiratory impedance plethysmography (RIP) belts for detecting both central apneas and other SRBD.