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Rib cage mechanics in simulated diaphragmatic paralysis.

To determine the action of the parasternal intercostals on the human rib cage, we studied the pattern of rib cage motion in relation to the pattern of respiratory muscle contraction in 4 normal subjects during attempts to perform tidal volume breathing with the parasternal intercostals alone. The dimensions of the chest wall, including the anteroposterior (AP) diameters of the lower rib cage and the abdomen, the transverse diameter of the lower rib cage, and the xiphipubic distance, were measured with linearized magnetometers. The electromyogram (EMG) of the diaphragm was obtained with an esophageal lead, while the EMGs of the intercostal, neck, and abdominal muscles were recorded using concentric needle electrodes. Minimizing diaphragmatic use during inspiration (transdiaphragmatic pressure = 0.08 to 1.54 cm H2O) was accompanied by a recruitment of the parasternals that was substantially greater than that of the scalenes; in 2 of the subjects, the activation of the scalenes at the beginning of inspiration was even delayed relative to the parasternals. The lateral intercostals showed variable changes during the maneuver, but the sternocleidomastoids, pectoralis major, rectus abdominis, and abdominal external oblique muscles were always silent. This pattern of EMG activity was associated with profound deformations of the rib cage. In all 4 subjects, the rib cage expanded considerably more along its transverse than its AP dimension relative to its relaxed configuration, and in 3 subjects, the xiphi-pubic distance decreased rather than increased in early inspiration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)