ABSTRACT
The expiratory muscles have functions throughout the respiratory cycle, but they are not often evaluated in the weaning from mechanical ventilation. Thus, reviews and consensus do not mention the maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) and the expiratory training. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of expiratory muscle strength with the spontaneous breathing of individuals on mechanical ventilation. This is a cross-sectional study with participants aged between 18 and 79 years. The groups satisfactory MEP (SMEPG) and low MEP (LMEPG) were formed according to the cut-off point of 55 cmH2O and compared to weaning parameters. The SMEPG (n=9) had better performance than LMEPG (n=21) in the rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI) (40.6±17.6 bpm/L and 75.3±44.1 bpm/L, respectively; p=0.022) and in the respiratory rate (RR) (19.1±6.2 bpm and 26.1±9.4 bpm; p=0.044). Prevalence of satisfactory MEP was low, as observed in the size of groups. In addition, although the MEP percentage of the predicted value was lower in LMEPG, as expected (67.2±15.4% vs. 45.8±14.7%; p=0.001), the percentage for maximal inspiratory pressure was not significantly different (82.4±21.8% vs. 67.8±18.4%; p=0.077). The MEP was moderately correlated with the RSBI (r=−0.406; p=0.026) and with the RR (r=−0.426; p=0.017). It was concluded that MEP≥55 cmH2O was associated with better values in RSBI and RR and that the reduction of expiratory muscle strength was more prevalent and severe than that of inspiratory muscle strength.
Keywords
Abdominal Muscles; Muscle Weakness; Ventilator Weaning; Physical Therapy Modalities; Critical Care
