Introduction:

Diaphragmatic surface electromyography is a procedure designed to assess the diaphragm. The physiological values of the electrical activity may have potential use in rehabilitation, sports training, ventilatory support withdrawal in critical care units and follow-up of respiratory disease.

Objective:

To assess and describe the diaphragmatic function through surface electromyography in a population of individuals during spontaneous and forced breathing.

Methods:

Observational, exploratory cross-sectional study including subjects with no comorbidities. Diaphragmatic surface EMG was performed measuring the mean quadratic root during tidal volume and vital capacity breathing. The body composition of the participants was also assessed.

Results:

28 males and 22 females were included in the study. The mean quadratic root of the tidal volume for two minutes was 13.94 nV for females and 13.31 nV for males. The vital capacity was 23.24 nV for males and 22.4 nV for females. A correlation was identified between the mean quadratic root, weight, and body surface.

Conclusions:

Mean quadratic root values of tidal volume in two minutes in healthy females and males have been documented. The mean quadratic root values are correlated with the physiological and functional characteristics of the participants.

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