RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Placing electrodes on different aspects of the chest determines the motor firing from the diaphragm. The electrode placement close to the extent of the muscle gave promising readings as compared to the ones that were placed away. The position with the maximum amplitude and least duration was chosen. Positions of the electrodes were decided as per the extent of the muscle. The aim is to determine the appropriate position of surface electrodes for surface diaphragm electromyography (EMG). MATERIAL AND METHODOLOGY: Thirty healthy individuals of age ranging from 21 to 45 years were included in the study. Participants were made to lie down in a supine position and different positions like G1 (recording electrode) 5 cm superior to the tip of the xiphoid process and G2 (reference) 16 cm along the costal margin from G1, G1 over the xiphoid tip and G2 at the seventh intercostal space at the costochondral junction and G1 over the xiphoid tip and G2 at the eight intercostal space at the costochondral junction were used for assessing maximum amplitudes and durations were observed by using a Octopus New Wave EMG machine (Octopus Medical Technologies, Vadodara, IND). After observing all the positions, an optimum position for maximum amplitude and least duration was analyzed. RESULTS: As per the study, out of the four positions, the electrode placements on the tip of the xiphoid process and 16 cm away diagonally on the sixth intercostal space showed maximum amplitude and the least duration with maximum mean amplitude and less mean duration of 232.35 and 7.316. On the seventh intercostal space it was 199.15 and 7.887 and on the eighth intercostal space was 176.055 and 8.639. The tip of the xiphoid process and 16 cm away diagonally on the sixth intercostal space is chosen as the appropriate position for electrode placement for EMG of the diaphragm. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the best electrode position was when the electrodes were placed 5 cm superior to the xiphoid process, i.e., G1, and 16 cm away from the recording electrode on the costochondral junction, i.e., G2, at the sixth intercostal space. Ground electrode placement is the nearest bony prominence, i.e., xiphisternum.
RESUMO
Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous lung condition, yielding various respiratory symptoms and categorized under several descriptors: early, mild, young, pre-COPD, and preserved ratio impaired spirometry. COPD is synonymous with symptoms such as dyspnea and cough, in addition to others like exercise intolerance, which result from respiratory muscle weakness. Therefore, the emergence of respiratory strength assessment tools for such patients is not surprising. However, evidence is limited regarding the impact of respiratory muscle strength on the physical performance of COPD patients. Therefore, this study employs the MicroRPM device (Medikart HealthCare Systems Pvt. Ltd., Delhi, India) to measure maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressure utilizing mouth pressure. Methodology We recruited a total of 40 patients for the study. All patients received a thorough assessment for hemodynamic stability and were categorized according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease criteria of COPD. The patients then underwent a training session for the MicroRPM device. We took each patient's inspiratory and expiratory pressure measurements, then determined their six-minute walk distance and modified the Borg scale rating. Results We observed no significant correlation between maximum inspiratory pressure (Pimax) and six-minute walk distance (r=-0.023, p=0.890) or modified Borg scale (r=-0.044, p=0.788); additionally, the correlation between maximum expiratory pressure (Pemax) and modified Borg scale was not significant (r=-0.192, p=0.235). However, the correlation between Pemax and six-minute walk distance was both negative and significant (r=-0.384, p=0.014). Conclusion Based on our results, respiratory muscle strength can influence the aerobic performance of COPD patients.
