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Diaphragm recruitment during nonrespiratory activities
1Departments of Medicine, Brown University Medical School, and Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island, Pawtucket, Rhode Island, USA.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
|August 10, 2000
Summary
Weight-lifting exercises significantly increase transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdi), suggesting the diaphragm is recruited during strenuous nonrespiratory activities. This elevated Pdi may provide a strength-training stimulus for the diaphragm.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Respiratory Muscle Physiology
Background:
- Previous research indicated weightlifters possess greater inspiratory pressures and diaphragm mass.
- A hypothesis proposed that weight-lifting acts as a strength-training stimulus for the diaphragm.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate diaphragm recruitment during strenuous nonrespiratory activities.
- To quantify the transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdi) generated during weight-lifting exercises.
Main Methods:
- Six healthy subjects performed various weight-lifting exercises (biceps curls, bench press, power lift, sit-ups) with and without added weight and abdominal binders.
- Transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdi) was measured during these activities.
- Maximal static transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdi(max)) was assessed.
Main Results:
- Pdi significantly increased during all weight-lifting activities compared to controls (57 ± 24 vs. 18 ± 10 cm H2O).
- Higher intensity activities and abdominal binding further elevated Pdi.
- Peak Pdi during activities reached 0.65 ± 0.09 of Pdi(max), with gastric pressure changes accounting for 85% of the Pdi increase.
Conclusions:
- Weight-lifting activities recruit the diaphragm, leading to substantial increases in transdiaphragmatic pressure.
- The elevated Pdi during these exercises may serve as a significant strength-training stimulus for the diaphragm.