Electrophysiological studies on human phrenic nerve & diaphragm.

ABSTRACT

To determine normal values for phrenic nerve stimulation, the phrenic nerve was stimulated transcutaneously in 22 healthy adolescent male volunteers. The phrenic latency, amplitude and duration of the evoked diaphragm action potential (EDAP) were noted. Maximum mouth inspiratory pressure (MMIP) and maximum ventilation volume (MVV) were also measured to evaluate the maximal strength of the diaphragm. No significant correlations were observed between EDAP and the parameters of diaphragm strength. The correlation coefficient between the amplitude-duration product of EDAP (integral EDAP) and MMIP was +0.15 and it was +0.29 between the integral EDAP and MVV.