Respiratory muscles performance

Impairment of the ventilatory pump can occur in conditions characterized by decreased respiratory drive, abnormal respiratory mechanics, diminished respiratory muscle performance, and impaired cardiovascular performance. 

Capdevila X, Perrigault PF, Ramonatxo M, et al. Changes in breathing pattern and respiratory muscle performance parameters during difficult weaning. Crit Care Med 1998 26(l) 79-87. Laghi F. Assessment of respiratory output in mechanically ventilated patients. Respir Care Clin N Am 2005 11(2) 173-199. 

Knowles JB, Eauban M, Wiggs BJ, et al. Dietary supplementation and respiratory muscle performance in patients with COPD. Chest 1988 93 977-983. 

In addition to cardiac and respiratory efforts, muscle activity is the next important parameter in terms of understanding how the body performs during training. Such information enables the wearer or coach to understand how the body is performing. Imbalances in the use of body muscles can be detected. Muscle fatigue can be estimated. Muscle performance capacity and efficiency can be analysed. 

In addition to monitoring symptoms, regular monitoring of respiratory function is essential. The vital capacity (VC) is one of the most reproducible tests for lung function. Although it may not fall below the normal range rmtil there is a 50% reduction in respiratory muscle strength (RMS) (26), its rate of decline can predict survival (27). Opinions vary as to how often pulmonary function should be evaluated. Some clinicians propose that if the VC is > 60% predicted, it should be performed every six months, while if the VC is < 60% predicted, it should be performed at every three to four months (28). 

Contemporary anesthetic management requires (1) rapid loss of consciousness, which eliminates awareness, memory of pain, anxiety, and stress throughout the surgical period (2) a level of analgesia sufficient to abohsh the reflex reactions to pain, such as muscular movement and cardiovascular stimulation (3) minimal and reversible influence on vital physiological functions, such as those performed by the cardiovascular and respiratory systems (4) relaxation of skeletal muscle to facilitate endotracheal intubation, provide the surgeon ready access to the operative field, and reduce the dose of anesthetic required to produce immobihty (5) lack of... 

The respiratory actions of the methylxanthines may not be confined to the airways, for they also strengthen the contractions of isolated skeletal muscle in vitro and improve contractility and reverse fatigue of the diaphragm in patients with COPD. This effect on diaphragmatic performance—rather than an effect on the respiratory center—may account for theophylline s ability to improve the ventilatory response to hypoxia and to diminish dyspnea even in patients with irreversible airflow obstruction. 

Stimulus-response specificity is a concept describing conditions where a very specific response can be predicted with tremendous regularity when a stimulus is applied. One example would be that an electrical shock to muscle tissue evokes a contraction. This model is appropriate for some types of medical interventions. For example, for acute cardiac and respiratory arrest, the techniques of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can be used with most victims, regardless of their age, socioeconomic status, sex, or religious beliefs. When there is an obstructed airway, performing an emergency tracheotomy is appropriate for victims regardless of their emotional status, personality style, or level of psychosocial maturity. Likewise, some medications have fairly universal effects on all people for instance, sodium pentothal produces unconsciousness (Deckert 1985). 

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