Force-velocity relationship of expiratory muscles in normal subjects

We examined the force-velocity relationship of the respiratory muscles in normal subjects under nearly isotonic conditions, taking into consideration the pleural pressure (Ppl) changes during maximum forced expirations (MFE). We used an electromagnetic valve (EMV) to select the Ppl value at the onset of mouth flow; and both a pressure reservoir and a variable resistance to control the Ppl changes after the opening of the EMV during MFE. To simulate isotonic conditions and to obtain the shortening velocity of the contractile element (CE), we mathematically corrected the velocity of the series elastic component (SEC), using a modified version of Hill's equation. Although the maximum tension at total lung capacity (TLC) [1,156 +/- 215 (SD) g/cm] was larger than that at functional residual capacity (FRC) (782 +/- 97 g/cm) there was no significant difference in the maximum shortening velocity, 3.4 +/- 1.0 and 3.2 +/- 0.8 circumference/s at TLC and FRC, respectively. The mean values of k (slope) for the SEC at TLC and FRC were 19 +/- 4 and 18 +/- 5 circumference-1, respectively, and they were not significantly different. We concluded that the force-velocity relationship of the expiratory muscles exhibited the same mechanical properties as that of the other skeletal muscles.