Compliance of the Lungs and Thorax in Poliomyelitis

Abstract

A modification of a method previously described for measuring the compliance of the lungs and thorax is studied in 4 normal subjects and 20 patients with poliomyelitis. This modification entails using sustained rather than transient pressures in a tank respirator for lung inflation. The sustained pressure technique resulted in higher values for compliance of the lungs and thorax and is therefore considered a better measurement. The difference between the 2 methods is probably due to the elimination of the element of viscous resistance in the sustained pressure technique. The results indicate that the compliance is reduced in poliomyelitis this reduction correlating roughly with the decrease in vital capacity.