Irregular amplitude and frequency of respiratory movements in hemispheric stroke

Abstract

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 = 0.002 for deep breathing), for the group (n = 18) compared with reference values. Fifty-six percent of our stroke patients had irregular amplitude of deep respiratory movements (p = 0.003), and 33% had irregular frequency (p = 0.058), but none of the individuals with no neurological diseases (p = 0.003). Seventy percent of RHS patients had irregular amplitude of deep respiratory movements, compared with 38% of LHS patients (p = 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.

Keywords:

• Abnormal breathing
• hemispheric stroke
• irregular breathing
• respiratory movements

Acknowledgements

We gratefully acknowledge funding for this study by the Landspitali National University Hospital, Reykjavík, Iceland and the Icelandic Physotherapy Association research fund. We thank Kolbrun S. Benediktsdottir radiologist for reviewing the CT and MRI.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no declarations of interest.