BACKGROUND The factors leading to chronic hypercapnia and rapid shallow breathing in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are not completely understood. In this study the interrelations between chronic carbon dioxide retention, breathing pattern, dyspnoea, and the pressure required for breathing relative to inspiratory muscle strength in stable COPD patients with se...

In our original article we outlined the type of somato-psychosomatic feedback cycle occurring in panic attacks in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that F. Kummer has further elaborated in his correspondence. In fact, this type of feedback cycle is described in the most widely accepted theory of panic attacks and panic disorder in the physically healthy, the cognitive (or ‘‘catastrop...

BACKGROUND Aging results in a decline in the function of the respiratory muscles. Inspiratory muscle training is emerging as a possible intervention to attenuate the decline of respiratory muscles in the elderly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of inspiratory muscle training on respiratory strength, diaphragm thickness, and diaphragmatic mobility in elderly women. METHODS T...

Background. Kinesiotape (K-tape) application can attenuate postural malalignment. However, the effects of K-tape on the changes in the respiratory system in postural problems remain unclear. Objectives. This study investigated the effects of 6-week functional correction with the K-tape on the forward shoulder posture (FSP) and respiratory function. Methods. A randomized clinical trial was per...

Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a cycle ergometer exercise program on exercise capacity and inspiratory muscle function in hospitalized patients with heart failure awaiting heart transplantation with intravenous inotropic support. Methods Patients awaiting heart transplantation were randomized and allocated prospectively into two groups: 1) Control Group (n=1...

BACKGROUND In this large observational study population of 105 myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) patients, we investigate whether bodyweight is a contributor of total lung capacity (TLC) independent of the impaired inspiratory muscle strength. METHODS Body composition was assessed using the combination of body mass index (BMI) and fat-free mass index. Pulmonary function tests and respiratory mu...

Background and Objectives: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterized by progressively worsening lung function, ventilation capacity, dyspnea, and finally reduced exercise intolerance. All of these have a significant negative impact on functional capacity and quality of life. In this study, we aim to evaluate the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in IPF and assess the predictor...

NISHIMURA, Y., HIDA, W., TAGUCHI, 0., SAKURAI, M., ICHINOSE, M., INOUE, H. and TAKISHIMA, T. Respiratory Muscle Strength and Gas Exchange in Neuromuscular Diseases : Comparison with Chronic Pulmonary Emphysema and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Tohoku J. Exp. Med., 1989, 159 (1), 57-68 To examine whether or not the respiratory muscle weakness is correlated with decrease in arterial oxygen tensi...

BACKGROUND The ability to accurately determine respiratory muscle strength is vitally important in patients with neuromuscular disorders (NMD). Sniff nasal inspiratory pressure (SNIP), a test of inspiratory muscle strength, is easier to perform for many NMD patients than the more commonly used determination of maximum inspiratory pressure measured at the mouth (MIP). However, due to an inconsis...