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Maximal dynamic expiratory pressures with fast and slow inspirations

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Abstract

Maximal dynamic expiratory pressures are higher when forced expiration is preceded by a fast inspiration to total lung capacity (TLC) than when preceded by a slow inspiration and a few seconds pause at TLC. We hypothesized that these pressure differences are due to the stretch-shorten cycle (SSC), which refers to enhancement of muscle force when a concentric muscle contraction is immediately preceded by an eccentric contraction. Seven volunteers [36 (2) years; mean (SEM)] performed maximal forced expirations against minimal resistance with fast (F) or slow (S) maneuvers. F maneuvers consisted of a fast inspiration to TLC followed immediately by a fast expiration, whereas S consisted of a slow inspiration to TLC and a 4- to 5-s pause at TLC prior to forced expiration. We measured esophageal pressure (P es), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), and the EMG activity of the transversus abdominis (Tr) by means of intramuscular fine-wire electrodes. The subjects performed several runs of each maneuver in a random order, and runs with the greatest expiratory P es were analyzed. In comparison with S, F yielded greater P es [182 (15) versus 167 (15) cmH2O; P=0.003)] but similar PEFR [9.8 (0.7) versus 9.6 (0.7) l/s, P>0.05] and EMG activity of the Tr during forced expiration [221 (31) versus 208 (34) a.u., P>0.05]. Further analysis revealed significant EMG activity of Tr during end-inspiration (eccentric contraction) with F maneuvers only [73 (22) versus 32 (17) a.u., P<0.05]. We conclude that the ability of expiratory muscles to generate greater P es with F maneuvers is related to the sequence of an eccentric contraction, which is followed immediately by concentric contraction in a manner analogous to SSC described in skeletal muscles.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the Wayne State University School of Medicine Research Fund and The John D. Dingell Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Review Board, and all experiments complied with the current laws of the USA where the experiments were performed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. John D. Dingell Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Detroit, MI 48201, USA

    Ashraf Altarifi, M. Safwan Badr & George E. Tzelepis

  2. Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA

    Ashraf Altarifi, M. Safwan Badr & George E. Tzelepis

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  1. Ashraf Altarifi
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  2. M. Safwan Badr
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  3. George E. Tzelepis
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Correspondence to George E. Tzelepis.

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Altarifi, A., Badr, M.S. & Tzelepis, G.E. Maximal dynamic expiratory pressures with fast and slow inspirations. Eur J Appl Physiol 89, 74–78 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-002-0773-3

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