Larson J L, Kim M J
Nurs Clin North Am. 1987 Mar;22(1):207-23.
In brief, preliminary research suggests that respiratory muscle fatigue contributes to the clinical manifestations of CAL and is associated with changes in breathing patterns. The specific mechanisms for changes in breathing patterns have not been clearly elucidated. Moreover, the mechanisms of respiratory muscle fatigue remain unclear, and clinical methods for diagnosing respiratory muscle fatigue are inconclusive. Until we improve our understanding of respiratory muscle fatigue, interventions are mostly directed toward preventing respiratory muscle fatigue by improving respiratory muscle function. One way to achieve this goal is by inspiratory muscle training. However, further research is needed to elucidate the physiologic mechanisms, clinical implications, and therapeutic interventions for respiratory muscle fatigue so that we can improve the associated ineffective breathing patterns.