Table 5

Parasternal EMG and pulmonary function test results

Normal subjectsControlled asthmaUncontrolled asthma
EMGpara (%max) evening, awake4.9 (3.2)7.2 (2.3)16.8 (14.2)*
EMGpara (%max) morning, awake4.9 (3.5)8.1 (4.0)18.4 (11.6)
FEV1 (%pred) evening96.1 (10.4)87.4 (13.9)63.8 (13.3)
FEV1 (%pred) morning95.9 (11.3)85.3 (14.5)62.1 (13.3)
PEF (l/min) evening492 (107.4)404 (137.7)360 (114.7)
PEF (l/min) morning490 (107.6)390 (134.8)347 (119.0)
FEV1/VC (%) evening88.8 (4.8)69.8 (10.2)§62.3 (19.0)
FEV1/VC (%) morning89.0 (4.5)67.3 (9.9)§62.5 (18.3)
  • Changes in the EMG activity and pulmonary function tests. Evening (22:00–23:00 h) and morning (06:00–07:00 h) parameters represent the mean of the root-mean square %maxEMGpara activity.

  • * Difference between controlled versus uncontrolled asthma (p<0.05).

  • Difference between normal group and controlled asthma (p<0.05) and controlled versus uncontrolled asthma (p<0.01).

  • Difference between controlled versus uncontrolled asthma (p<0.001).

  • § Difference between normal group vs controlled asthma (p<0.001).

  • FEV1, forced expiratory volume over 1 s; PEF, peak expiratory flow; VC, vital capacity.