Irregular amplitude and frequency of respiratory movements in hemispheric stroke
Sammanfattning
Objectives: The aims of the study were to investigate respiratory movement patterns among patients
with right versus left hemispheric stroke with emphasis on regularity of respiratory frequency and amplitude
of movements during both quiet and voluntary deep breathing and to compare the results with
reference values.
Materials and methods: Eighteen patients with severe stroke were measured with the Respiratory
Movement Measuring Instrument. Respiratory frequencies, movements, regularity of amplitude and frequency
were compared with individuals with no neurological disease.
Results: The demographics and physical performance were comparable for 8 left and 10 right hemispheric
stroke. Deep respiratory movements were significantly decreased (p < 0.001) and frequency significantly
increased (p < 0.03 for quiet and p ¼ 0.002 for deep breathing), for the group (n ¼ 18)
compared with reference values. Fifty-six percent of our stroke patients had irregular amplitude of
deep respiratory movements (p ¼ 0.003), and 33% had irregular frequency (p ¼ 0.058), but none of the
individuals with no neurological diseases (p ¼ 0.003). Seventy percent of RHS patients had irregular
amplitude of deep respiratory movements, compared with 38% of LHS patients (p ¼ 0.34).
Conclusion: Results show significantly decreased amplitude of deep breathing in hemispheric stroke
and indicate a possible effect on regularity of range and frequency of respiratory movements.