Lung volumes, lung compliance and airway resistance during negative-pressure breathing

Abstract
Lung volumes, airflow resistance and lung elastance were measured in seven subjects during various degrees of continuous negative-pressure breathing in the supine posture. At –30 cm H2O the expiratory reserve is reduced to about 30% of its normal value and the resistance to airflow is more than doubled. On the other hand, the pressure-volume curve of the lung measured with the aid of an esophageal balloon was not significantly altered by either negative-pressure or positive-pressure breathing. Submitted on February 8, 1960