Effect of end-inspiratory lung volume and breathing pattern on neural activation of the diaphragm and extra-diaphragmatic inspiratory muscles in healthy adults

Abstract

We examined the effect of changes in end-inspiratory lung volume (EILV) and breathing pattern on neural activation of the inspiratory muscles in healthy adults. We found that, at a constant ventilation, neural activation of the crural diaphragm and of the extra-diaphragmatic inspiratory muscles (sternocleidomastoid, scalene, and seventh external intercostals) increased as a function of increasing EILV, independent of changes in breathing pattern. Our results point to a critical mechanistic role of EILV in determining the level of central inspiratory neural drive needed to support ventilation.