Respiratory functional and motor control deficits in children with spinal cord injury

This study investigates the impact of spinal cord injury (SCI) on respiratory function in children. It compares respiratory function and muscle activation patterns between typically developing (TD) children and children with SCI to understand how SCI and age affect respiratory motor control. The study found that children with SCI have reduced lung capacity and expiratory pressure compared to TD children. They also exhibit altered muscle activation patterns during breathing, using compensatory muscles to make up for weakened primary respiratory muscles. These findings suggest that SCI-induced respiratory deficits in children are age-dependent, with earlier injuries potentially leading to more significant respiratory complications as they grow.

• 1
  Children with SCI have significantly reduced FVC, FEV1, and PEmax values compared to TD controls, indicating impaired respiratory function.
• 2
  During PEmax assessment, children with SCI showed decreased activation of respiratory muscles below the injury level (rectus abdominous and external oblique) and increased activation of compensatory muscles above the injury level (upper trapezius).
• 3
  In TD children, age, height, and weight significantly contributed to increased FVC and FEV1, whereas in children with SCI, only age correlated with FVC and FEV1, suggesting SCI impacts the typical relationship between musculoskeletal development and respiratory function.