Spirometry in convalescent hemiplegic patients

The forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were determined in 20 patients with convalescent hemiplegia. The FVC and FEV1 were reduced and the PEFR was within normal range. These results indicate a restrictive ventilatory defect with an FEV% that approached the vital capacity. The physical ability of each patient was assessed on the basis of the time it took to walk a distance of 18.5 meters as quickly as possible. Although it appears from the results that physical ability did not bear any relationship to the degree of restrictive ventilatory defect, other parameters of spirometry may be needed to confirm this. The results suggest that the restrictive ventilatory defect will be of more clinical importance in exercise tolerance for strenuous exercise than in ordinary daily activities.