Correlation between the Diaphragmatic Contraction Pressure and the Slow Vital Capacity

PURPOSE: This study measured the external pressure on abdomen during maximal inspiration. The study determined the correlation between the diaphragmatic contraction pressure and the lung capacities to verify whether or not the measured pressure values can represent diaphragmatic contractility. METHODS: The study included 32 healthy subjects (16 males and 16 females). The researchers fabricated their own diaphragmatic pressure belt (DiP Belt) to measure DCP. DiP Belt device was fixed on the front of the abdomen and the diaphragmatic contractility was measured during maximal inspiration. The lung capacities were measured using a portable digital spirometer device (Pony Fx, COSMED, Italy). A digital spirometer is a device that is used to test the flow of air entering and exiting the lungs. RESULTS: DCP showed significant positive correlations with vital capacity (VC), inspiratory reserve volume (IRV) and inspiratory capacity (IC). Among values of lung capacities, IC showed especially strong positive correlations with the DCP (r =.714, p<.010). For the males, DCP showed significant positive correlations with IRV and IC, and DCP showed significant negative correlation with the expiratory reserve volume (ERV). For the females, DCP showed significant positive correlation with tidal volume (VT), but any significant correlation was not found with any of the other values of lung capacities. CONCLUSION: DCP showed high correlations with IRV and IC associated with inspiratory capacity. Therefore, The DiP Belt can be looked upon as a simple device that is very useful for measuring diaphragmatic contractility.