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Effect of Test Interface on Respiratory Muscle Activity and Pulmonary Function During Respiratory Testing in Healthy
Elaheh Sajjadi1,2, Patrick C Mabe3, Yasin B Seven1,2
1Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610 USA.
Purpose:
The mouthpiece is the standard interface for spirometry tests. Although the use of a mouthpiece can be challenging for patients with orofacial weakness, maintaining a proper seal with a facemask can be an issue for healthy individuals during forceful efforts. We compared respiratory muscle activity and tests using a mouthpiece and facemask in healthy adults to investigate whether they can be used interchangeably.
Methods:
In this observational study, subjects (n=12) completed forced vital capacity, maximal respiratory pressure, and peak cough flow with a mouthpiece and facemask. Root mean square values of the genioglossus, diaphragm, scalene, and sternocleidomastoid were compared between conditions.
Results:
When switching from a mouthpiece to a facemask, significantly higher values were seen for peak cough flow (average bias= -54.36 L/min, p<0.05) and the difference seen with MEP and MIP were clinically significant (average bias: MEP=27.33, MIP=-5.2). Additionally, submental activity was significantly greater when MIP was conducted with a mouthpiece. No significant differences were seen in respiratory muscle activity during resting breathing or spirometry.
Conclusion:
There are clinically significant differences with cough and MEP tests and neck muscles are activated differently based on interface. Considering the small sample size, our findings suggest a facemask may be used to complete some PFTs.
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