Methodology for prediction and measurement of respiratory capacity in persons with neuromuscular diseases and in persons with body deformations

Weakening of the respiratory muscles in persons with neuromuscular diseases (NMD) threatens them with respiratory failure. The respiratory capacity of these persons is estimated by pulmonary functional tests. One of the most frequently used tests is the measurement of vital capacity (VC) and determination of the percentage share of the VC reference value (%VC). Different body parameters such as body height and body weight are used for determining the %VC. It is difficult or even impossible to measure these parameters in wheelchair-bound NMD persons, especially those in more advanced stages of disease with body deformations. The same is valid for all other persons with congenital or acquired body deformations. Another reason for questioning the objectivity of spirometric testing in NMD persons is that many of them manifest severely weakened facial muscles and consequently have trouble with blowing. With our project we will try alternative testing of respiratory capacity and calculation (mathematical model) of predicted pulmonary functional values which is not based on the body height but on other more objectively measured anthropometrical parameters in persons with body deformations.