title: Mean airway opening pressure as an index of inspiratory muscle task intensity.
abstract: The relationship between mean values of pressure (pressure-time integral including both inspiration and expiration) measured at the airway opening (Pao) and in the esophagus (Pes) is described for ventilation on a variety of external inspiratory resistances. Pao/Pes was 0.85 or greater when the external inspiratory resistance was a 4.0-mm or smaller endotracheal tube adaptor. Additionally, Pao can be easily and accurately measured by a slowly responding mechanical manometer. This device is simple in design, unpowered, inexpensive, and can be used outside the laboratory as part of an inspiratory muscle training program.
mesh_terms: D004947:Esophagus / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008365:Manometry / Q000295:instrumentation; D009132:Muscles / Q000502:physiology*; D010807:Physical Endurance; D011312:Pressure; D012143:Respiratory Physiological Phenomena; D013997:Time Factors; D014939:Work of Breathing