VENTILATORY DYSFUNCTION AND RESPIRATORY REHABILITATION IN POST-TRAUMATIC QUADRIPLEGIA

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 61  (6) , 347-356
Abstract
Lung volumes and maximum static respiratory pressures were examined in 35 patients rendered quadriplegic by traumatic transection of the cervical spinal cord at levels between C[cervical segment]:IV and C:VIII. Of these patients, 12 were treated 15 min a day for about 6 wk by insufflation of air using a manually operated pump and by performing forced voluntary expirations and inspirations against a resistance. The markedly reduced total lung capacity, vital capacity, expiratory reserve volume and maximum static respiratory pressures all improved significantly upon treatment. The lung volumes remained improved in the 11 patients who were restudied after about 1 yr and in the 5 patients who were restudied after about 5 yr. Maximum static respiratory pressures appeared to have decreased at the last follow-up study compared to studies immediately after treatment.