Anthropometric variables will influence maximal respiratory pressure (MRP) values. Since significant variations exist in pulmonary nomograms amongst different races, it is important that tribe specific tables of normal maximal inspiratory pressures (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressures (MEP) be developed. To date, MRP prediction equations do not exist for Hopi children.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop MRP reference values and prediction equations for Hopi children in the ages 4-13 years.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken with 288 healthy children (125 male, 163 female), a 36% representative population of all the Hopi Native children attending Hopi Tribal Elementary Schools in Arizona. MIP and MEP values were measured.
Results: Age and the inverse of body mass were consistently significant predictors of the MRPs for both sexes. Predictions using the derived Hopi equations were significantly different (p≤0.001) than those using the equations for Navajo and Caucasian youth across both sexes, making it important for this population to have specific formulae to provide more accurate reference values.
Conclusions: These data were collected from the children of Hopi ancestry resulting in MIP and MEP reference equations which should be used when measuring MIP and MEP in these children ages 4-13 years.
Purpose: Physical activity within the hospital post-stroke is recommended for cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health, but no studies have examined cerebrovascular health. We hypothesized individuals who walked farther distances (FARhigh) during the acute phase of stroke recovery in a hospital setting would have a higher resting middle cerebral artery blood velocity (MCAv) and a greater cerebrovascular response (CVR) to moderate-intensity exercise at 3-months post-stroke, compared to individuals who walked shorter distances (FARlow).
Methods: At 3-month post-stroke, we recorded 90-seconds of resting baseline (BL) MCAv followed by 6-minutes of moderate-intensity exercise. We calculated CVR as the change in MCAv from BL to steady-state exercise. We retrospectively collected farthest distance walked within the hospital post-stroke from the electronic medical record. Participants were classified as FARhigh or FARlow based on average farthest walking distance.
Results: Twenty participants completed the study, age 63 (15) years. BL MCAv was not different between groups (p = 0.07). In comparison to FARlow, we report a higher CVR in FARhigh's ipsilesional ( = 7.38 (5.42) vs = 2.19 (3.53), p = 0.02) and contralesional hemisphere ( = 8.15 (6.37) vs = 2.06 (4.76), p = 0.04).
Conclusions: Physical activity during the hospital stay post-stroke may support cerebrovascular health after discharge. Prospective studies are needed to support this finding.
Purpose: The mouthpiece is the standard interface for spirometry tests. Although the use of a mouthpiece can be challenging for patients with orofacial weakness, maintaining a proper seal with a facemask can be an issue for healthy individuals during forceful efforts. We compared respiratory muscle activity and tests using a mouthpiece and facemask in healthy adults to investigate whether they can be used interchangeably.
Methods: In this observational study, subjects (n=12) completed forced vital capacity, maximal respiratory pressure, and peak cough flow with a mouthpiece and facemask. Root mean square values of the genioglossus, diaphragm, scalene, and sternocleidomastoid were compared between conditions.
Results: When switching from a mouthpiece to a facemask, significantly higher values were seen for peak cough flow (average bias= -54.36 L/min, p<0.05) and the difference seen with MEP and MIP were clinically significant (average bias: MEP=27.33, MIP=-5.2). Additionally, submental activity was significantly greater when MIP was conducted with a mouthpiece. No significant differences were seen in respiratory muscle activity during resting breathing or spirometry.
Conclusion: There are clinically significant differences with cough and MEP tests and neck muscles are activated differently based on interface. Considering the small sample size, our findings suggest a facemask may be used to complete some PFTs.