Handgrip force and maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressures in critically ill patients with a tracheostomy

Abstract

Background The association between peripheral striated muscle strength and respiratory muscle strength has been confirmed in a number of disorders. However, this association is unknown in intensive care unit patients with tracheostomies. Objective To examine correlations between handgrip force, maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), and maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) in intensive care unit patients with tracheostomies. Methods Twenty patients (7 women, 13 men) with trache-ostomies, in the intensive care unit longer than 11 days, in stable condition, with functional limbs, and with Glasgow Coma Scale scores of 15 were recruited. Both MIP and MEP were measured with a membrane manometer; handgrip force was measured with a hydraulic hand dynamometer. Results Handgrip force was significantly correlated with MIP (r = 0.45, P =.04) and MEP (r = 0.78, P =.001). Hand-grip force was significantly predicted by MIP and MEP when the effect of sex was controlled for (P