Utility of phrenic nerve conduction study and respiratory muscle potential tests to assess respiratory muscle in Japanese school children

Abstract

Phrenic nerve conduction studies (PNCSs) and respiratory muscle potential tests are used to assess respiratory muscle lesions in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This study aimed to determine normal values of PNC and respiratory muscle potentials in healthy Japanese school children. PNCS was performed by transcutaneous stimulation in the neck and recording diaphragmatic potentials from surface electrodes placed at the ipsilateral subcostal arch at the midclavicular line. Maximal expiratory and inspiratory potentials were measured using a multifunctional spirometer. In PNCS, amplitude, but not latency, changed with respiration. In the respiratory muscle potential test, the maximal inspiratory potential exhibited moderate correlation with both vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 s. Using the reference values obtained in the current study, we plan to examine the potential utility of PNCS and respiratory muscle potential tests to assess respiratory muscle in school children.