A model for the relation between respiratory neural and mechanical outputs. II. Methods

Abstract

In the preceding communication we developed a model for the conversion of neural output to mechanical output. We were left with two qualitative uncertainties, namely, the relation between neural output and isometric pressure, and the behavior of inspiratory muscles during expiratory flow; and two quantitative uncertainties concerning the effect of configurational pathway on pressure output, and the slope of the pressure-flow relation. For each of the above uncertainties we made certain assumptions based on indirect evidence but defined reasonable error limits. In the present communication we describe the method of implementing the model and evaluate the significance, in terms of spirometric output, of possible errors in the assumptions. Volume and flow profiles were generated from different neural output profiles. Analysis was repeated when the different assumptions were systematically altered within the limits set by the previous theoretical analysis. We conclude that the pattern of inspiratory muscle activation during spontaneous breathing and the existence of several mechanical interactions within the respiratory system combine to render spirometric output fairly insensitive to most potential errors in our assumptions.