Maximal Voluntary Ventilation Research Articles

Immediate Unilateral Subpectoral Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction does not Impair Pulmonary Functions: A Preliminary Prospective Study.

Implant-based breast reconstruction is one of the most common procedures among women with breast cancer undergoing mastectomy. Prosthetic devices may be positioned either beneath or above the pectoralis major muscle, which is considered an accessory muscle of ventilation. This preliminary prospective study aimed to investigate whether subpectoral unilateral implant-based breast reconstruction has any effect on patients' pulmonary functions. A prospective study of fourteen women who underwent immediate unilateral implant-based subpectoral breast reconstruction by a single surgeon over 10months was conducted. Spirometry and maximal voluntary ventilation tests were conducted 1day prior to surgery, and 1- and 3months following breast reconstruction. ANOVA or Friedman test were used to compare pulmonary function tests before and after surgery. Fourteen patients completed the study protocol. No statistically significant differences were found when comparing spirometry parameters in the three time points. Pectoralis muscle release does not impair pulmonary function among patients undergoing immediate unilateral implant-based breast reconstruction following mastectomy. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Inappropriate Peak Inspiratory Flow Rate in the Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Korea.

Inhalation therapy efficacy hinges on proper peak inspiratory flow rate (PIFR) attainment, yet the prevalence of inappropriate PIFR among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains unstudied in Korea. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of inappropriate PIFR, its correlation with COPD assessment test (CAT) scores, and factors associated with suboptimal PIFR. We enrolled 108 patients with COPD who had been using the same inhaler for at least one year without exacerbations. PIFR was measured using an inspiratory flow meter (In-Check™ DIAL G16). Demographic, clinical, pulmonary function, and CAT score data were collected. Inappropriate was defined as PIFR < 60L/min for dry power inhaler (DPI) users or > 90L/min for aerosol device users. The cohort comprised 87 (80.6%) men, mean age 71.0 ± 8.5 years, with mean post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in one second of 69.1 ± 1.8% predicted. Twenty-nine (26.9%) used aerosol devices, 76 (70.4%) used DPIs, and three (2.8%) used both. Inappropriate PIFRs were found in 17.2% of aerosol device users and 42.1% of DPI users. CAT scores were significantly higher in inappropriate PIFR group than appropriate PIFR group (11.2 ± 7.7 vs 7.5 ± 4.9, P = 0.003). In DPI users, female, shorter height, lower body weight and MVV (maximal voluntary ventilation) were associated with inappropriate PIFR. Prevalence of inappropriate PIFR among patients with COPD is 17.2% for aerosol device users and 42.1% for DPI users. Suboptimal PIFR correlates with female gender, shorter stature, lower weight and MVV in DPI users.

LUNG FUNCTION INDICES IN MALE WOODWORKERS AND HEALTHY WORKERS IN CENTRAL INDIA – A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Objectives: The objectives of the study were comparison of lung function indices in woodworkers and age, height, and weight-matched healthy workers other than woodworkers and comparison of lung function indices among woodworkers about the duration of exposure. Methods: A comparative study of spirometry was performed on 60 male woodworkers from the Lakadganj area of Nagpur city and 60 males of age, height, and weight-matched healthy workers other than woodworkers aged from 25 to 40 years. The study was performed in the laboratory of the Physiology Department, IGGMC Nagpur from January 2012 to September 2013. The Institute Ethics Committee approved the present study and it was completed in IGGMC Nagpur. Data collection from each individual was performed using a health history questionnaire, estimation of height (cm) with roll ruler wall mounted roll ruler wall mounted stature meter, weight (kg) with weight measuring device, and well-calibrated Spirometry device Physiopac Windows-based computerized Polygraph. Age, height, weight, body mass index, and lung function indices forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1st second (FEV1), forced expiratory flow25-75% (FEF25-75%), FEV1/FVC, and maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) were included in the present study. Data analysis was performed using analysis of variance, unpaired t-test, and the Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: Comparison of FVC, FEV1, peak expiratory flow rate, FEF25-75%, FEV1/FVC (p&lt;0.001), and MVV (p&lt;0.05) shows statistical significance between woodworkers and healthy workers. A negative correlation was found between FVC and all groups (Group A [−0.28], Group B [−0.33], and Group C [−0.46]). A negative correlation was found for FEV1 in Group A (−0.08), and Group B (−0.20). A positive correlation was found for FEV1 in Group C (0.14). FEF25-75% showed a negative correlation in Group I (−0.03), and Group III (−0.19). Conclusion: FVC, FEV1, FEF25-75%, FEV1/FVC, and MVV decreased significantly in woodworkers as compared to age, height, and weight-matched healthy workers other than saw-mill workers. There was a significant decrease in FVC, FEV1, and FEF25-75% as the duration of exposure increased but had no significant effect on FEV1/FVC and MVV.

Impact of 4D-Flow CMR Parameters on Functional Evaluation of Fontan Circulation.

We sought to evaluate the potential clinical role of 4D-flow cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived energetics and flow parameters in a cohort of patients' post-Fontan palliation. In patients with Fontan circulation who underwent 4D-Flow CMR, streamlines distribution was evaluated, as well a 4D-flow CMR-derived energetics parameters as kinetic energy (KE) and energy loss (EL) normalized by volume. EL/KE index as a marker of flow efficiency was also calculated. Cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) was also performed in a subgroup of patients. The population study included 55 patients (mean age 22±11 years). The analysis of the streamlines revealed a preferential distribution of the right superior vena cava flow for the right pulmonary artery (62.5±35.4%) and a mild preferential flow for the left pulmonary artery (52.3±40.6%) of the inferior vena cave-pulmonary arteries (IVC-PA) conduit. Patients with heart failure (HF) presented lower IVC/PA-conduit flow (0.75±0.5 vs 1.3±0.5 l/min/m2, p=0.004) and a higher mean flow-jet angle of the IVC-PA conduit (39.2±22.8 vs 15.2±8.9, p<0.001) than the remaining patients. EL/KE index correlates inversely with VO2/kg/min: R: -0.45, p=0.01 peak, minute ventilation (VE) R: -0.466, p<0.01, maximal voluntary ventilation: R:0.44, p=0.001 and positively with the physiological dead space to the tidal volume ratio (VD/VT) peak: R: 0.58, p<0.01. From our data, lower blood flow in IVC/PA conduit and eccentric flow was associated with HF whereas higher EL/KE index was associated with reduced functional capacity and impaired lung function. Larger studies are needed to confirm our results and to further improve the prognostic role of the 4D-Flow CMR in this challenging population.

The influence of low resistance respiratory muscle training on pulmonary function and high intensity exercise performance

Background/objectivesRespiratory muscle training (RMT) was recognized as an effective means to improve respiratory muscle (RM) strength and enhance exercise performance. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of low-intensity RMT on RM strength, pulmonary function, and performance. MethodsFourteen healthy active adults were assigned randomly to either a training or placebo group. The training group completed six weeks of RMT, which consisted of a first week, 1 set of 15 min/d, 5 d/wk at 10–25% of maximal inspiratory pressure (PImax), and the remaining 5 weeks, 2 sets of 15 min/d, 5 d/wk, at 30% PImax. The placebo group followed the same protocol but with almost no additional ventilatory resistance. Measurement of RM strength and endurance, spirometry, and endurance exercise performance were obtained before and after the RMT program. ResultsIn the training group, PImax (+14%) and maximal expiratory pressure (PEmax, +27%), forced vital capacity (FVC, +3.6%), maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max, +11%), and time to exhaustion (Tlim90%, +25%) increased significantly from baseline values (P < 0.05). No significant changes were observed in the placebo group. Also, no significant interaction in maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV12), minute ventilation (VE), and respiratory rate (RR) were detected. ConclusionsThese data suggest that low-intensity RMT is an effective tool to improve RM strength, pulmonary elastic properties and endurance exercise performance.

Spirometric Assessment of Pulmonary Function Tests in Asthma Patients.

Asthma is a chronic airway inflammatory disorder that imposes substantial morbidity and mortality. Spirometry is a significant tool for the objective measurement ofobstruction amongasthmatics. The present study was conducted to assess the pulmonary function test parameters among asthmatics and compare the observed and predicted values. This cross-sectional research was performed on 120 asthmatic patients who attended a tertiary care healthcare center and underwent spirometry evaluation. The spirometry indices such as forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), and maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) were recorded. Further, a gender-wise comparisonof spirometry indices was also done. There was a substantial decrease in FVC (2.05 ± 0.12 vs. 2.75 ± 0.24 L/sec; p = 0.02), FEV1 (1.78 ± 0.16 vs. 2.38 ± 0.32 L/sec; p = 0.01), FEV1/FVCratio (74 ± 4.38 vs. 83 ± 5.76 %; p = 0.01), PEFR (4.76 ± 0.42 vs. 5.82 ± 0.65 L/sec; p = 0.03), and MVV (78.65 ± 28.45 vs. 115.87 ± 32.15 L/min; p = 0.001) for observed andpredicted values.Female asthmatic patients displayed a substantial decline in FVC (p = 0.001), FEV1 (p = 0.006), FEV1/FVC (p = 0.001), and MVV (p = 0.01) when compared to males. This study suggests that asthmatic individuals had impaired lung function upon initial assessment.Female asthmatic patients studied are at increased risk of asthma severity when compared to males.

It’s not just the heart: respiratory limitations to constant-load exercise in adult Fontan patients and potential implications for rehabilitation

Introduction Congenital heart defects may require surgical intervention such as the Fontan procedure that connects the systemic venous return to the pulmonary arteries. Although this procedure has increased survival, it results in reduced exercise capacity; which is reduced not only due to cardiovascular factors, but respiratory limitations as well. However, there is a lack of evidence outlining ventilatory limitations during constant-load exercise, which better represents exercise in cardiac rehabilitation programs and non-laboratory based exercise. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to compare responses to constant-load exercise in adult Fontan patients with those of healthy well-matched controls. Methods 14 adult Fontan patients (5F, 27 ± 6yrs) were recruited with 14 healthy matched controls. Participants performed forced vital capacity (FVC), as well as maximal inspiratory and and expiratory pressure  assessments (MIP and MEP, respectively). Patients performed an incremental cycling test (ICT) to exhaustion to determine peak work rate. Following a period of recovery, patients performed a constant-load cycling test (CLCT) at 70% of peak ICT work rate until exhaustion. Healthy subjects reproduced the exercise of their matched patient. Cardiorespiratory variables and heart rate (HR) were measured using a metabolic cart and a 12-lead electrocardiogram, respectively. Participants were asked to rate their perception of breathlessness and respiratory exertion via a visual analogue scale every 2 min and at peak exercise. Patients without cardiac pacemakers underwent involuntary assessments of respiratory muscle contractility via phrenic (n = 8) nerve magnetic stimulation before and following exercise to quantify respiratory muscle fatigue. Results Patients showed significantly reduced FVC, MIP and MEP compared to controls (all p &lt; 0.025). Patients’ time-to-exhaustion during the CLCT was 7.1 ± 3.3 min. During CLCT vs. the ICT, patients reached maximal HR,  respiratory rate (fR), breathlessness, respiratory exertion, and leg exertion. End-exercise V̇O2 during the CLCT did not reach ICT values, with a mean difference of 1.5 ml/kg/min (p = 0.017). Controls did not reach peak ICT responses during the CLCT. During the CLCT, patients displayed significantly elevated minute ventilation (V̇E; mean difference = 21.5 L/min), fR (mean difference = 13.8 breaths-per-minute), breathlessness (mean difference = 3.4 points), and respiratory exertion (mean difference = 2.3 points), along with significantly decreased ventilatory reserve (V̇E/maximal voluntary ventilation; mean difference = 27.5%; all p &lt; 0.002). Following the CLCT, Fontan patients showed a larger decrease in involuntary respiratory muscle contractility (15 ± 12% vs. 2 ± 11%). Finally, a decreased ventilatory reserve was significantly correlated with decreased MIP (r = 0.723, p = 0.003) and MEP (r = 0.623, p = 0.042). Discussion/Conclusion Fontan patients had a lower-than-expected time-to-exhausiton, in part due to their abnormal ventilatory response. First, the increased pulmonary restriction in the Fontan patients likely led to increased V̇E driven by a high fR during exercise. Second, Fontan patients showed decreased ventilatory reserve - which was significantly associated with respiratory muscle weakness. Third, patients showed significantly increased respiratory muscle fatigue following exercise. Collectively, these factors likely contributed to the increased breathlessness and respiratory exertion in patients, leading to increased exercise limitation. Given this, and the fact that patients reached near maximal physiological responses during the CLCT, it’s possible that patients may benefit more from aerobic training at less than 70% of peak word rate, or from interval-training with significant recovery time.

Effects of motor imagery and action observation on respiratory function in mild smokers: a randomized single-blind controlled pilot trial

Background: Motor imagery (MI) and action observation (AO) training can activate brain areas involved in planning, adjusting, and automating voluntary movement in a manner similar to that when these activities are being performed. Aim: The main objective of this study was to assess the effects of MI and AO training on respiratory function in mild smokers. Methods: A single-blind placebo-controlled pilot trial was designed. A total of 27 mild smokers were randomized into three groups: MI (n = 9), AO (n = 9), and sham observation (SO; n = 9) groups. The MI and AO groups performed mental training of breathing exercises while the SO group observed a landscape without a human agent. The primary outcomes were pulmonary function parameters (forced expiratory volume during the 1st s [FEV1], forced vital capacity [FVC], FEV1/FVC ratio, maximum voluntary ventilation [MVV], and peak expiratory flow [PEF]), and the secondary outcomes were maximal inspiratory/expiratory pressures (MIP/MEP) and perceived fatigue. All outcome measures were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Results: Regarding the pulmonary function parameters, only the AO group showed significant within-group differences in FEV1 (mean differences [MD] = 0.37 L (0.17 – 0.56), P = 0.001), FVC (MD = 0.1 L (0.02 – 0.16), P = 0.008), and PEF (MD = 0.74 L/s (0.29 – 1.18), P = 0.002) with a small-to-moderate effect size. No differences were found in FEV1/FVC ratio and MVV. With regard to the maximal static pressures, only the AO group showed significant within-group differences in MEP with a small effect size (MD = 11.22 cm H2O (0.19 – 22.2), P = 0.046). Finally, both AO and MI groups showed significantly greater perceived fatigue with regard to SO group with a large effect size (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: AO training has a slight impact on some pulmonary function parameters, such as FEV1, FVC, or PEF, as well as on MEP when applied in isolation and in a single session. Relevance for Patients: Although it is still early to draw some solid conclusions, AO training could be used in combination with respiratory exercises to see if the effect is greater than exercises in isolation. The study of movement representation strategies on pulmonary function is a field that has been sparingly explored so far. This paper offers some interesting data to be considered for further research.

Calculated Maximal Volume Ventilation (cMVV) as a Marker of Early Respiratory Failure in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

Respiratory failure assessment is among the most debatable research topics in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) clinical research due to the wide heterogeneity of its presentation. Among the different pulmonary function tests (PFTs), maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) has shown potential utility as a diagnostic and monitoring marker, able to capture early respiratory modification in neuromuscular disorders. In the present study, we explored calculated MVV (cMVV) as a prognostic biomarker in a center-based, retrospective ALS population belonging to the Piemonte and Valle d'Aosta registry for ALS (PARALS). A Spearman's correlation analysis with clinical data and PFTs showed a good correlation of cMVV with forced vital capacity (FVC) and a moderate correlation with some other features such as bulbar involvement, ALSFRS-R total score, blood oxygen (pO2), carbonate (HCO3-), and base excess (BE), measured with arterial blood gas analysis. Both the Cox proportional hazard models for survival and the time to non-invasive ventilation (NIV) measurement highlighted that cMVV at diagnosis (considering cMVV(40) ≥ 80) is able to stratify patients across different risk levels for death/tracheostomy and NIV indication, especially considering patients with FVC% ≥ 80. In conclusion, cMVV is a useful marker of early respiratory failure in ALS, and is easily derivable from standard PFTs, especially in asymptomatic ALS patients with normal FVC measures.

Analysis of the Effectiveness of Targeted Nursing in Children with Severe Viral Encephalitis Complicated with Respiratory Failure

Objective: To explore and analyze the effectiveness of targeted nursing in children with severe viral encephalitis complicated with respiratory failure. Methods: From April 2021 to April 2023, 74 children with severe viral encephalitis complicated with respiratory failure admitted to the Department of Pediatrics of our hospital were selected as the research objects and divided into the target group (n = 37) and the reference group (n = 37). Targeted nursing was given to the target group, while general nursing was given to the reference group. Physical rehabilitation, motor scores, and lung function were compared between the groups. Results: The recovery time of limb abnormalities, convulsions, abnormal consciousness, and cranial nerve disorders in the target group was significantly better than that in the reference group (P &lt; 0.05). The motor function, joint activity and pain, sensory function, and total score of the target group were significantly lower than those of the reference group (P &lt; 0.05). After the intervention, lung function indicators including VC (vital capacity), FVC (forced vital capacity), and MVV (maximum voluntary ventilation) of the target group were better than those of the reference group (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Targeted nursing can shorten the recovery period of severe viral encephalitis complicated with respiratory failure in children, speed up the recovery of motor function, and improve lung function. This nursing model has a significant application effect in children with severe viral encephalitis complicated with respiratory failure.

Effects of breathing exercises on chronic low back pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

A range of studies concerning the effects of breathing exercises on chronic low back pain (CLBP) have been proven inconclusive. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of breathing exercises for the treatment of CLBP. We considered randomized controlled trials in English or Chinese that used breathing exercises for the treatment of CLBP. An electronic search was performed in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wan Fang, and CBM databases for articles published up to November 2022. Two reviewers independently screened the articles, assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane risk of bias tool, and extracted the data. The outcomes included pain, lumbar function and pulmonary function post-intervention. A total of thirteen studies (n= 677) satisfied the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis results demonstrated a significant effect of breathing exercises on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score (SMD =-0.84, 95% CI: -1.24 to -0.45, P< 0.0001), the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score (SMD =-0.74, 95% CI: -0.95 to -0.54, P< 0.00001), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) score (MD = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.10 to 0.37, P= 0.0006), Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second /Forced Vital Capacity (FEV1/FVC) (MD = 1.90, 95% CI: 0.73 to 3.07, P= 0.001), although there was no significant difference between the breathing exercises and control interventions for Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second (FEV1) score (MD = 0.22, 95% CI = [0.00, 0.43], P= 0.05), and Maximal Voluntary Ventilation (MVV) score (MD = 8.22, 95% CI = [-4.02, 20.45], P= 0.19). Breathing exercises can reduce pain, assist people with lumbar disabilities, and improve pulmonary function, and could be considered as a potential alternative treatment for CLBP.

Effects of cognitive behavioral therapy in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) causes airflow blockage and breathing-related issues. This chronic disease impacts people worldwide. Substantial evidence supports the use of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help patients with chronic illnesses cope with worrisome and painful symptoms. However, the impact of CBT on COPD outcomes is less understood. In this study, we systematically summarized the effects of CBT on lung function, anxiety and depressive symptoms, and quality of life of patients with COPD. Six English-language and four Chinese-language databases were systematically searched for relevant randomized controlled trials published through April 15, 2023. Studies in which CBT was the only difference in treatment administered to experimental and control groups were included in the review. The studies' risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Criteria. Sixteen studies (1887 participants) were included. The meta-analysis showed that CBT improved the percent-predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1 %), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1 /FVC ratio, maximal voluntary ventilation, peak expiratory flow, treatment compliance, and World Health Organization abbreviated quality of life, Self-rating Anxiety and Depression Scale, and St George's Respiratory Questionnaire scores compared with the control (all p < .05). This review demonstrated that CBT improves the lung function, anxiety and depressive symptoms, treatment compliance, and quality of life of patients with COPD and can be used widely in the clinical treatment of this disease.

An analysis of pulmonary function tests in construction workers.

In construction workers, repeated and constant exposure to noxious materials generated at construction sites often increases the risk of respiratory illness. Pulmonary function test (PFT) is an important tool utilized for both diagnosis the cause of unknown or unexplained respiratory symptoms and monitoring prognosis of patients with known respiratory pathology. In the present study, PFT of construction workers was assessed using spirometry. A total of 100 male construction workers (working for &gt;1 year) belonging age group 21 to 60 years were included in the study. Additionally, equal number of age matched healthy individuals without any exposure to construction work was recruited as controls. Indices of pulmonary functions included forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), forced expiratory volume (FEV1), FEV1/FVC and maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV). Maximum workers belonged to age group 21 to 40 years. A total of 37 had habit of smoking. Construction workers also suffered from respiratory ailments like cough, dyspnea, sorethroat etc. All indices of PFT were significantly decreased in construction workers compared to controls. Construction workers are at high risk of developing respiratory ailments due to continuous long term exposure to noxious material used in construction. Habit of smoking and consumption of alcohol also adds on to risk of developing respiratory disorders. Spirometry can be recommended as an effective tool for screening of construction workers for respiratory ailments. The present study highlights the importance of regular health camps, use of proper protective wears and initiation of awareness program to prevent respiratory ailments in construction workers.

Assessment of Pulmonary Function in COVID-19 Recovered Health Science Students: A Descriptiv Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) impacts multiple organs like the kidneys, heart, and liver, but primarily affects the respiratory system, leading to symptoms such as cough with sputum production, fever, and in severe cases, respiratory failure. Research on Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)-Coronavirus-2 (CoV-2) has revealed impairments in lung function during the early recovery phase following COVID-19 infection. The aim is to understand the virus’s impact and identify any obstructive, restrictive, or mixed pulmonary alterations in medical professionals six weeks after recovery. Aim: To assess Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) six weeks after COVID-19 recovery in health science students at a medical college in North Karnataka. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Physiology at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College in North Karnataka, India, from January 2021 to December 2021. A total of 155 COVID-19-recovered health science students were included, and their anthropometry, physiological parameters, and pulmonary parameters were recorded. The “Spirometer Helios 401” was used to estimate an individual’s PFT. Data were analysed using independent sample t-tests, with a p-value &lt;0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the participants was 21.73±3.04 years. The Mean±Standard Devaiation (SD) of Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) (L), Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV) at the end of one second (L), Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (L), forced mid expiratory flow 25-75 (L/s), forced mid expiratory flow 25% (L/s), forced mid expiratory flow 50% (L/s), forced mid expiratory flow 75% (L/s), Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV) (L), Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV) (L), Inspiratory Capacity (IC) (L), and Maximum Voluntary Ventilation (MVV) (L) ± SD of post-COVID-19 subjects were less compared to their corresponding predicted values. The Mean±SD of FEV1/FVC (%) and tidal volume (L) of COVID-19 recovered subjects were higher than their corresponding expected value. The FEV, Forced Expiratory Flow (FEF), and FEV1 values were significantly less in females compared to males. Conclusion: Coronavirus Disease-19-recovered subjects showed altered respiratory functions even after six weeks, with the majority having restrictive disease, followed by a mixed pattern and obstructive diseases, while the remaining showed no changes in lung function. Altered pulmonary functions in COVID-19 patients may be due to alveolar destruction or pulmonary interstitial fibrosis.

To study the effect of obesity on pulmonary functions in adults

Background: Obesity is defined as an excessive accumulation of fat in the body, resulting in adverse effects on the health of the individual. Obesity alters the relationship between the lungs, chest wall, and diaphragm. So, it has been expected to alter respiratory function. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the present study was to conduct a study of pulmonary function in obese (study group) and non-obese (control group) healthy college students. Materials and Methods: The present study involved 100 subjects in the age group of 18–25 years, both obese and non-obese, recruited from various colleges. Out of a total of 100 subjects, 50 were obese (study group) and 50 were non-obese (control group) subjects. Data were statistically analyzed using an unpaired Student “t” test; P &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In this study, pulmonary functions such as peak expiratory flow rate and maximum voluntary ventilation decreased significantly (&lt;0.05) in obese people when compared with non-obese people. forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) decreased in obese people when compared with non-obese people, but the results were not significant (&gt;0.05). There was no change in FEV1/FVC%. Conclusion: Obesity can cause various deleterious effects on respiratory function. These changes in lung function are caused by extra adipose tissue in the chest wall and abdominal cavity compressing the thoracic cage, diaphragm, and lungs.

Estimation of peak oxygen consumption in individuals with spinal cord injury patients using multiple linear regression analysis: a preliminary study.

This study aims to develop a regression model to estimate peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) by employing different variables. In this study, 34 participants were divided into two groups: 19 with cervical injury (CI) and 15 with thoracic injury (TI). Key measurements included VO2peak and related factors such as age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), fat-free mass, body fat percentage, limb and trunk circumferences, spinal cord independence (SCIM III), Korean activities of daily living (K-ADL), and respiratory functions (forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow (PEF), and maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV)). Statistical analyses were conducted using forward selection regression to examine the relationships between these variables. Height, calf circumference, SCIM III score, and PEF were key variables in all patients with SCI (TSCI). For patients with CI, the key variables were height, calf circumference, and MVV, whereas for patients with TI, the key variable was calf circumference. The average explanatory powers of the VO2peak regression model for TSCI were 70.3% (R2) and 66.2% (adjusted R2), with an average standard error of estimate (SEE) of 2.94 ml/kg/min. The average explanatory power for patients with CI was 71.7% (R2) and 66.1% (adjusted R2), with an average SEE of 1.88 ml/kg/min. The average explanatory power for patients with TI was 55.9% (R2) and 52.5% (adjusted R2), with an average SEE of 3.41 ml/kg/min. There was no significant difference between the VO2peak measured and predicted VO2peak for each type of injury. The regression model for estimating VO2peak in SCI patients in this preliminary study is as follows: TSCI=39.684-0.144×(Height)-0.513×(Calf)+0.136×(SCIM III)+1.187×(PEF), CI=38.842-0 .158×(Height) - 0.371×(Calf)+0.093×(MVV), TI=42.325-0.813×(Calf).

호흡운동을 동반한 몸통 안정화훈련이 폐기능에 미치는 영향

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of trunk stabilization training on pulmonary functions and respiratory muscle activity.&#x0D; Methods: All participants in this study were healthy and participated voluntarily. The participants were divided into 2 groups (10 people in the control group and 10 people in the trunk stabilization training group). The experimental group had trunk stabilization training with breathing exercises and the control group performed breathing exercises for 4 weeks. Pulmonary functions were assessed. Digital spirometry (Pony FX, COSMED Inc., Italy) and free EMG (Apsun, Inc., Italy) were used in order to determine the changes in the respiratory muscle. The SPSSWIN (version 21.0) package program was used for the statistical analysis.&#x0D; Results: The trunk stabilization training group (p&lt;.05) had a significant difference in the forced expiratory volume in 1 second, forced vital capacity, inspiratory reserve volume, inspiratory capacity, and maximal voluntary ventilation prior to and after exercises. The control group, however, showed no change. No significant difference was seen in the change in respiratory muscular activity between the two groups.&#x0D; Conclusion: In order to improve pulmonary functions, application of trunk stabilization training can be a particularly effective intervention method.

Differential cardiopulmonary haemodynamic phenotypes in PASC-related exercise intolerance.

Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) affect a significant proportion of patients who have previously contracted SARS-CoV-2, with exertional intolerance being a prominent symptom. This study aimed to characterise the invasive haemodynamic abnormalities of PASC-related exertional intolerance using invasive cardiopulmonary exercise testing (iCPET). 55 patients were recruited from the Yale Post-COVID-19 Recovery Program, with most experiencing mild acute illness. Supine right heart catheterisation and iCPET were performed on all participants. The majority (75%) of PASC patients exhibited impaired peak systemic oxygen extraction (pEO2) during iCPET in conjunction with supranormal cardiac output (CO) (i.e., PASC alone group). On average, the PASC alone group exhibited a "normal" peak exercise capacity, V'O2 (89±18% predicted). ∼25% of patients had evidence of central cardiopulmonary pathology (i.e., 12 with resting and exercise heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and two with exercise pulmonary hypertension (PH)). PASC patients with HFpEF (i.e., PASC HFpEF group) exhibited similarly impaired pEO2 with well compensated PH (i.e., peak V'O2 and CO >80% respectively) despite aberrant central cardiopulmonary exercise haemodynamics. PASC patients with HFpEF also exhibited increased body mass index of 39±7 kg·m-2. To examine the relative contribution of obesity to exertional impairment in PASC HFpEF, a control group comprising obese non-PASC group (n=61) derived from a historical iCPET cohort was used. The non-PASC obese patients with preserved peak V'O2 (>80% predicted) exhibited a normal peak pulmonary artery wedge pressure (17±14 versus 25±6 mmHg; p=0.03) with similar maximal voluntary ventilation (90±12 versus 86±10% predicted; p=0.53) compared to PASC HFpEF patients. Impaired pEO2 was not significantly different between PASC patients who underwent supervised rehabilitation and those who did not (p=0.19). This study highlights the importance of considering impaired pEO2 in PASC patients with persistent exertional intolerance unexplained by conventional investigative testing. Results of the current study also highlight the prevalence of a distinct high output HFpEF phenotype in PASC with a primary peripheral limitation to exercise.

Sex-Linked Differences in Pulmonary Functions of COVID-19 Patients After a Six-Minute Walk Test.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) predominantly impacts the respiratory system. Historically, numerous lung diseases have shown sex-related differences throughout their progression. This study aimed to identify sex-linked disparities in pulmonary function tests (PFTs) among individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 when subjected to a six-minute walk test (6MWT). In this observational cross-sectional study, we analyzed 61 participants, consisting of 39 (64%)males and 22 (36%) females, all of whom previously contracted COVID-19 three months or more prior. We measured vitals such as blood pressure, pulse, oxygen saturation, and PFT values before and after the 6MWT. The post-6MWT evaluation revealed notable mean differences between males and females in parameters systolic blood pressure (SBP) (p = 0.003), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (p = 0.026), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) (p = 0.038), forced vital capacity (FVC) (p = 0.041), and maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) index (p = 0.011). PFT outcomes indicated sex-based variations among post-COVID-19 subjects. Specifically, post-stress values for FEV1, FVC, MVV index, SBP, and DBP were more elevated in males than in females. However, females presented with higher oxygen saturation levels post-COVID-19 compared to males. Using multiple linear regression modeling, sex was not found to be a strong predictor of PFT results. However, individual regression analyses for FEV1, FVC, and MVV index consistently showcased higher values in males. In conclusion, significant PFT differences exist between males and females after recovery from COVID-19 when exposed to stress induction via the 6MWT.

Effect of respiratory muscle endurance training on performance and respiratory function in professional cyclists during the off-season.

The study aimed to analyze the effect of respiratory muscle endurance training (RMT) on performance and respiratory function in professional road cyclists during the off-season period. Twenty professional road cyclists from the Czech Republic were divided into the control (CON) (N.=10) and the RMT (N.=10) groups. Cyclists from the RMT group accomplished 30 sessions over 10 weeks. Performance in the incremental cycling test and respiratory capacity via test were assessed before and after 10 weeks in both groups. The comparison between and within the groups was performed, together with effect size and delta % (P<0.05). Significant effects on respiratory function during the exercise, on lung volume utilization at 90% of VO<inf>2max</inf> (TV-90%) and maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) were found in RMT compared to the CON group, with a moderate effect size (0.71 and 0.61), and improvements of 13% and 14%, respectively. Parameters of performance in the cycling protocol and respiratory function at rest presented better values in the RMT group, however with no significance and in minor magnitude. Using RMT during off-season benefits professional road cyclists by improving the major efficiency of respiratory function during progressive efforts. Therefore, the protocol of RMT could be used as an ergogenic aid during this period in order to maintain respiratory adaptations, optimizing the pre-season training. Adjustments can be made to improve the parameters outcomes.