Comparison of diaphragmatic EMG power spectra: spontaneous contractions vs. evoked compound action potentials

The electromyogram (EMG) power spectrum from spontaneous diaphragm contractions has been used to identify the development of fatigue. However, power spectral analysis of the spontaneous diaphragmatic EMG signal is limited and subject to error. In contrast, power spectral analysis of the compound diaphragm action potential (CDAP) may be superior. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the EMG power spectra of evoked CDAPs correlate with those of spontaneous diaphragm contractions. Four anesthetized mechanically ventilated dogs with spontaneous isometric diaphragm contractions were studied using a mechanically isolated in situ diaphragm preparation. CDAPs were elicited via phrenic nerve stimulation, and intramuscular wire electrodes recorded EMG. Diaphragm temperature was changed from 40 to 30 degrees C to elicit changes in the EMG power spectra. The EMG signal from 10 spontaneous contractions and 10 CDAPs were acquired at 1 degrees C intervals. Fast Fourier transform was applied to both spontaneous and CDAP data yielding the power spectra, which were represented by their center frequencies (fc). The CDAP fc correlated well with the EMG fc obtained from spontaneous contractions (r = 0.99). We conclude that evoked CDAPs may provide an accurate alternative to spontaneous contractions for EMG power spectral analysis of the diaphragm.