THE EFFECTS OF CHRONIC HYPERINFLATION, NUTRITIONAL-STATUS, AND POSTURE ON RESPIRATORY MUSCLE STRENGTH IN CYSTIC-FIBROSIS

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Abstract
Maximal static inspiratory and expiratory pressures (PImax and PEmax) were measured in 25 patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and 80 normal control subjects to determine whether chronic hyperinflation and malnutrition reduce PImax and PImax/PEmax, respectively. Effect of posture on pressures generated was also examined. A diminution in PEmax was used as an index of a malnutrition effect on pressures generated. The patients with CF, although significantly hyperinflated (ratio of residual volume to total lung capacity, 0.49), generated PImax values similar to those of the control subjects (P > 0.05). Despite evidence of malnutrition (mean body mass percentile, 78%), PEmax values of patients with CF and those of control subjects were comparable (P > 0.05). There was no postural effect on pressures generated in the normal subjects or the CF group as a whole. Respiratory muscle strength is normal or supranormal in CF, despite chronic hyperinflation and malnutrition.