Skip to main content

Effects of bariatric surgery on inspiratory muscle strength

Abstract

Background

The respiratory function is affected by obesity due to an increased deposition of fat on the chest wall. The objective of this study was to investigate the strength of the inspiratory respiratory muscles of obese individuals and the possible influence of bariatric surgery on it by measuring the maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP).

Methods

Patients referred to a bariatric centre between the 3rd of October 2011 and the 3rd of May 2012 were screened preoperatively by a multidisciplinary team. Their MIP was measured at screening and 3, 6 and 9 months postoperative. In case of a preoperative MIP lower than 70% of predicted pressure training was provided supervised by a physiotherapist.

Results

The mean age of 124 included patients was 42.9 ± 11.0 years and mean BMI was 43.1 ± 5.2 kg/m2. The mean predicted MIP preoperatively was 127 ± 31 in cm H2O and the mean measured MIP was 102 ± 24 in cm H2O. Three patients (2.4%) received training. Three months after surgery the MIP was 76 ± 26 cm H2O, after 6 months 82 ± 28 cm H2O and after 9 months 86 ± 28 cm H2O. All postoperative measurements were significant lower than preoperatively (P < 0.05). The only influencing factor for the preoperative MIP was age (p = 0.014).

Conclusion

The preoperative MIP values were significantly lower than the predicted MIP values, probably due to altered respiratory mechanics.

Background

Obesity is a chronic disease characterised by an excessive accumulation of body fat and causes damage to various body functions, such as cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and metabolic functions amongst others (WHO 2000).

Also the respiratory function is affected by obesity due to an increased deposition of fat on the chest wall. This causes a reduction in thoracic compliance, lung volumes and capacities (Hamoui et al. 2006; Sarikaya et al. 2003; Weiner et al. 1998). Respiratory dysfunction in this patient population can occur due to changes in the relationship between lung, chest wall and diaphragm, causing an impairment of respiratory mechanics and also changes in gas exchange (Magnani and Cataneo 2007).

Several studies have demonstrated that weight loss due to bariatric surgery has resulted in a huge improvement in some functions, such as a decrease in haemoglobin and haematocrit (Zavorsky et al. 2008), decreased heart rate and oxygen consumption (Zavorsky et al. 2008) and a reduction in insulin resistance. Bariatric surgery also showed an improved lung function with increased forced vital capacity (FVC) (Zavorsky et al. 2007; Davila-Cervantes et al. 2004), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and improved alveolar-capillary diffusion capacity (Zavorsky et al. 2008) and an improvement in gas exchange (Zavorsky et al. 2007; Davila-Cervantes et al. 2004). However, studies on the respiratory muscle function of the obese population (before and after bariatric surgery) show conflicting results (Magnani and Cataneo 2007; Wadstrom et al. 1991a; Kelly et al. 1988; Sampson and Grassino 1983; Black and Hyatt 1969).

Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the strength of the respiratory muscles of obese individuals (before and after bariatric surgery) by measuring the maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP). Also we have investigated the influence of patient related factors and type of operation (sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass) on the MIP before and after bariatric surgery. Furthermore, the association of the body mass index (BMI) and the presence of comorbidities with the respiratory muscle strength were reviewed.

Methods

Informed consent was obtained of all patients included.

Patient population

Patients were referred to a bariatric centre by their general practitioner or other physicians. A multidisciplinary team screened all patients preoperatively, consisting of a physician assistant, a psychologist, a nutritionist and a surgeon. Patients were eligible for surgery if they had a BMI of 40 kg/m2 or higher, or a BMI between 35 and 40 kg/m2 with significant co-morbidities, with serious attempts to lose weight in the past. Co-morbidities were considered significant when medication had to be used, or if continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) had to be used in case of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSAS). The indication for a bariatric procedure was made in a multidisciplinary consultation, taking into account the patients’ preference, age, polypharmacy, reflux complaints, body composition in relation to BMI and bowel diseases. Patients with pre-existing pulmonary and/or neuromuscular diseases were excluded from this study.

Respiratory muscle function and MIP assessment

Respiratory muscle strength was assessed by measuring the maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) with a digital mouth pressure meter (±300 cm H2O). The manometer (Micro RPM®, Carefusion, USA) was calibrated in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations (Celli and MacNee 2004).

The maximal static respiratory pressure generated in the mouth, after complete inhalation and exhalation, carries out the measurement of respiratory muscle strength, divided in the MIP and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), which are indicative of the strength of the inspiratory and expiratory muscle groups (Costa et al. 2010). MIP is a measure of inspiratory muscle strength (which is representative for the function of the diaphragm), whereas MEP measures the strength of the abdominal and intercostal muscles (Barbalho-Moulim et al. 2011a, 2013; Pazzianotto-Forti et al. 2012).

The assessment of the respiratory muscle strength took place before bariatric surgery and 3, 6 and 9 months postoperatively by an independent and trained physiotherapist using the ATS/ERS guidelines (Celli and MacNee 2004; American Thoracic Society 1995). The MIP values were compared to each other and to the normal values adjusted for their sex and age (Wilson et al. 1984).

When the actual preoperative measured MIP was ≤70% of the predicted MIP, patients were asked to conduct respiratory function training prior to surgery. The protocol for training of the respiratory function was adapted from a study of (Hulzebos et al. 2006).

Data collection

Data were collected prospectively using an online registry (Patients Outcome Measurement Tool). The patients who got approval between the 3rd of October 2011 and the 3rd of May 2012 were included in this study as during this period the inspiratory muscle function was measured.

Data of interest were MIP values, patients’ characteristics, operative details, hospital stay and evolution on weight and comorbidities. Furthermore were included the postoperative pulmonary complications defined as pulmonary infections as determined by the physician, thromboembolic events, and respiratory distress resulting into additional care.

Statistical analysis

Continuous variables were presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD). Categorical variables were presented as frequency with percentages. The Shapiro–Wilk test was used to test each variable for normality. Student’s t test for independent groups or the Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare the MIP values in the preoperative period and changes in MIP values over time, depending on the normality or non-normality of the data distribution. To compare the MIP values at different times (preoperatively, and after 3, 6 and 9 months after surgery), repeated measures ANOVA was used. To assess postoperative MIP values (and the difference with preoperative MIP values) between patients who had a sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass, the two-repeated ANOVA was used.

The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine the correlation between de following parameters: preoperative BMI and preoperative MIP; Prevalence of OSAS and preoperative MIP; weight loss 3 months after surgery and MIP 3 months after surgery; weight loss 9 months after surgery and MIP 9 months after surgery; smoking and MIP values (preoperative and after 3, 6 and 9 months); gender and preoperative MIP and age and preoperative MIP.

In all tests, values of p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA Version 20.0) was used to prepare the database and for statistical analysis.

Results

Patients and procedures

All 124 patients completed the 9 months follow-up and were all available for the final analysis. The majority of the included 124 patients were female (n = 106). The mean age was 42.9 ± 11.0 years and mean BMI was 43.1 ± 5.2 kg/m2. Related comorbidities encountered were diabetes (20.2%), OSAS (13.7%), hypertension (33.9%) and dyslipidemia (20.2%). Among the patients 17 (13.7%) were tobacco users and 11 (8.9%) used alcohol. Half the patients underwent a sleeve gastrectomy (n = 60; 49.2%) and the other half received a gastric bypass (n = 64; 50.8%). These interventions resulted into a weight loss of 18 ± 26 kg (13 ± 21% TWL) and 51 ± 29 kg (41 ± 23% TWL) respectively at 3 months and 1 year postoperative. No pulmonary complications as defined in the methods section were seen postoperatively.

Maximal inspiratory pressures

In the preoperative period, the mean predicted MIP was 127 ± 31 in cm H2O and the mean measured MIP was 102 ± 24 in cm H2O (Table 1). Based on these results, only three patients were asked to train their respiratory function, because they had a preoperative measured MIP value <70% of predicted. Three months after surgery the MIP was 76 ± 26 cm H2O, after 6 months the MIP was 82 ± 28 cm H2O and after 9 months 86 ± 28 cm H2O. At all three measure moments this decrease was significant compared to the preoperative value (P = 0.01).

Table 1 Maximal inspiratory pressures of obese patients before and after a bariatric procedure

Sleeve gastrectomy versus gastric bypass

The preoperative MIP, the MIP 3 months after surgery, 6 months after surgery and 9 months after surgery did not significantly differ between patients who had a sleeve gastrectomy compared to a gastric bypass (P = 0.590, P = 0.592, P = 0.165 and P = 0.895 respectively).

Changes in MIP values over time

Table 2 gives an overview of the mean MIP changes between different time points. There was a significant difference between the mean changes in MIP after 3 months and 6 months (respectively −26.65 ± 22.30 and 6.03 ± 19.99 cm H2O, p = 0.001) and there was a significant difference in the mean changes in MIP after 3 and after 9 months (respectively −26.65 ± 22.30 and 4.07 ± 11.98 cm H2O, p = 0.001).

Table 2 Mean MIP changes (± SD) in cm H2O between different time points

Correlations between different variables

Table 3 gives an overview of the correlations investigated. There was no linear correlation between the preoperative BMI and preoperative MIP (r = −0.045, p = 0.619), the prevalence of OSAS and the preoperative MIP (r = −0.025, p = 0.779), weight loss 3 months after surgery and MIP 3 months after surgery (r = −0.187, p = 0.008), weight loss 9 months after surgery and MIP 9 months after surgery (r = −0.075, p = 0.072) and smoking and the MIP values preoperative (r = −0.003, p = 0.976) and 3, 6 and 9 months postoperative (r = 0.070, p = 0.439; r = 0.054, p = 0.552; and r = 0.014, p = 0.877 respectively). The correlation between gender and the preoperative MIP showed a trend towards significance (r = −0.155, p = 0.085). The only (negative) linear correlation found was between age and the preoperative MIP (r = −0.220, p = 0.014).

Table 3 Overview of the correlations between different variables (n = 124 patients)

Discussion

The actual measured MIP was significantly lower than the predicted values in the present study. The MIP at 3, 6 and 9 months after bariatric surgery were decreased significantly compared with the preoperative MIP. The only (negative) linear correlation found was between the age and the preoperative MIP, which is corresponding with earlier studies on this subject (Magnani and Cataneo 2007; Wilson et al. 1984).

Obesity has a detrimental effect on the pulmonary physiology, including respiratory mechanics, airway resistance, respiratory muscle function, lung volume, work of breathing (WOB) and gas exchange (Koenig 2001). Morbidly obese patients present with increased metabolic demands due to a deposition of fat in the chest wall, which results in an increased mass to move during breaths and therefore a higher WOB. This elevated WOB results in reduced chest wall compliance. Also there is an elevation of the diaphragm, which (upon contracting) acts under pressure of a distended abdomen (Wei and Wu 2012; Parreira et al. 2012; Jubber 2004).

This ‘overload’ triggers a variety of mechanisms in the activity of the respiratory muscles and causes a long term training effect, which can increase muscle strength (Magnani and Cataneo 2007; Wei and Wu 2012; Parreira et al. 2012). It is believed that this muscle strength decreases when patients develop a condition such as OSAS (Magnani and Cataneo 2007). In the postoperative period, weight reduction may promote an improvement in respiratory mechanics and compliance, improving the efficiency of the respiratory muscles (Weiner et al. 1998). In the present study, the MIP after was decreased 3 months after surgery, but at 6 and 9 months after surgery it increased. This is the effect of weight loss, which reduces the earlier mentioned ‘overload’ and therefore creates a new setpoint to which the respiratory muscle strength has to adjust. This could be an explanation for the fact that the MIP decreased 3 months after surgery in our study. However we found a trend towards a negative correlation between weight loss 9 months after surgery and the MIP 9 months after surgery (p = 0.072), which indicates a decrease in respiratory muscle strength when the weight loss increases. The explanation for this matter lies in the earlier mentioned ‘overload’, which vanishes after successful bariatric surgery. Whether this earlier mentioned new ‘setpoint is due to an improvement in diaphragm muscle function or a change lung compliance is unknown.

Also animal studies in rabbits show that chronically increased intra-abdominal pressure induce several histological and cellular changes in composition of greater abdominal muscles, especially the rectus abdominis and diaphragm muscle (Kotidis et al. 2011, 2012; Papavramidis et al. 2011, 2012). Changes in muscle fiber composition of the muscles were observed, an increased ratio of type II muscle fibers that are mainly anaerobically active (Kotidis et al. 2011, 2012; Papavramidis et al. 2011, 2012).

Studies investigating indices of respiratory muscle strength in obese patients and comparing them with eutrophic individuals or comparing them with normal values showed no consistent results (Sarikaya et al. 2003; Magnani and Cataneo 2007; Kelly et al. 1988). Kelly et al. (1988) found no significant results in MIP values among obese individuals (with an average of 183% of the predicted weight) and individuals with an average of 99% of the weight. Sarikaya et al. (2003) showed a significantly reduced MIP in obese individuals with no significant difference compared with eutrophic individuals. Magnani and Cataneo (2007) found that the MIP was within normal values for age and gender in 99 obese individuals (23 men and 76 women). There was no significant difference between different BMI groups (35–40, 40–45, 45–50 and ≥50 kg/m2) (Magnani and Cataneo 2007).

In the literature investigating the effect of bariatric surgery on respiratory pressures, there are also conflicting results. Weiner et al. (1998) showed that maximum respiratory pressures increased 6 months after bariatric surgery when compared with the preoperative values in 21 obese patients.

Parreira et al. (2012) assessed the MIP of 30 morbidly obese patients (24 women and 6 men) preoperatively and 1 and 6 months after surgery. They found no significant difference in MIP 1 and 6 months after surgery compared to the preoperative values (preoperative MIP: 96 ± 35; after 1 month: 100 ± 38; after 6 months: 104 ± 33 cm H2O) (Parreira et al. 2012). When comparing the MIP values of 17 individuals 36 months after surgery, they found a significantly increased MIP (121 ± 35 cm H2O) compared to the preoperative MIP (96 ± 35 cm H2O) (Parreira et al. 2012).

Cherniack and Guenter (1961) found that obese individuals have inefficient respiratory muscles due to reduced chest wall compliance or lower lung volume. Also the MIP was lower than the predicted value (Cherniack and Guenter 1961). Wadstrom et al. (1991b) found that, despite a weight loss of 18% and improvement of lung volumes, the included obese individuals showed no significant change in respiratory muscle strength.

Barbalho-Moulim et al. (2011a) randomised 32 obese women undergoing elective open bariatric surgery to either an inspiratory muscle-training group or usual care group. Compared to the preoperative values, the MIP decreased significantly in both groups. However the reduction in MIP was 28% in the inspiratory muscle training group en 47% in the usual care group (Barbalho-Moulim et al. 2011a). In a different patient cohort (24 obese women scheduled for Roux en-Y gastric bypass), Barbalho-Moulim et al. (2013) found that compared to preoperative MIP values, the MIP 1 year after bariatric surgery significantly decreased (preoperative: 78.75 ± 20.07 cm H2O; 1 year after surgery: 69.17 ± 18.86 cm H2O, p = 0.0183) (Barbalho-Moulim et al. 2013).

Various studies have examined the correlation between MIP and body composition but found different results. Vincken et al. (1987) found that body composition did not contribute in explaining MIP variability. Enright et al. (2004) reported that weight and waist circumference was negatively related to the MIP. Carpenter et al. (1999) showed that individuals with a higher BMI had a lower MIP. We have not found a significant correlation between body composition and MIP. A possible explanation could be the difference in sample size, than the earlier mentioned studies (Vincken et al. 1987; Enright et al. 2004; Carpenter et al. 1999).

Different results were mentioned about the correlation between smoking status and MIP. Hautmann et al. (2000) demonstrated that there was no significant relation between smoking status and MIP. Leech et al. (1983) also did not found a significant relation between smoking status and MIP. Therefore Enright et al. (1994) found that smokers had a 15% lower MIP than non-/former smokers. In our study we could not find a relationship between smoking and the MIP values. A possible explanation for this matter is the small number of smokers in our study population [17 (13.7%)].

Our study has several limitations. First, our male/female equilibrium was not equal. The majority of our patients were female. Second, there is a known difference between the MIP values between males and females (Carpenter et al. 1999; Hautmann et al. 2000), which could be a confounding factor in the interpretation of the results.

The significant difference between the predictive MIP and the preoperative measured MIP was found using the equation by Wilson et al. (1984). This could imply two remarks. First, is unknown whether or not the used predictive equation is suitable for the obese population and secondly other commonly used predictive equations could influence the results (Black and Hyatt 1969; Costa et al. 2010; Neder et al. 1999; Harik-Khan et al. 1998).

The clinical relevancy of measuring the MIP prior to and after bariatric surgery is questionable. Two questions need to be answered to determine the clinical relevancy (1) How many bariatric surgical teams measure MIP routinely and (2) if the MIP is measured, what is its influence on the decision-making progress in qualification and preparation of patients for bariatric surgery?

The earlier mentioned study of Barbalho-Moulim et al. (2011a) found that inspiratory muscle training prevented a reduction in MIP postoperatively. Another study by Barbalho-Moulim et al. (2011b) compared the effect of laparoscopic bariatric surgery with open bariatric surgery on the lung function, without preoperative training of the patients. In both groups, there was a decrease in MIP postoperatively, 23% in the laparoscopic group compared to 37% in the open group (Barbalho-Moulim et al. 2011b). Both studies did not investigate the effect on postoperative (pulmonary) complications.

In the current Dutch bariatric practice, almost all bariatric interventions are performed via laparoscopic procedures and pulmonary complications are rarely seen. Also in this study no pulmonary complications were seen. Therefore in other types of surgery, per example cardio-thoracic surgery, determining the MIP is useful for clinical purposes. This because after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery, pulmonary complications are more frequently seen and therefore inspiratory muscle training (Hulzebos et al. 2006). In our opinion, based on the current body of literature, the clinical relevance of measuring MIP prior to bariatric surgery remains questionable. Therefore further research is needed to investigate the clinical usefulness of this MIP measurement, especially in patients with obesity-induced respiratory dysfunction.

Conclusion

The preoperative MIP values were significantly lower than the predicted MIP values. Only three patients were indicated to train their respiratory function preoperatively. Also a significant decrease in maximum pressures was found 3, 6 and 9 months after bariatric surgery each compared to the preoperative measurements. A negative significant correlation was observed between age and preoperative MIP. Due to conflicting results in the current literature, the low number of pulmonary complications seen after bariatric surgery the clinical relevancy of measuring the MIP prior to and after bariatric surgery remains questionable.

References

  • American Thoracic Society (1995) Standards for the diagnosis and care of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 152:S77–121

    Google Scholar 

  • Barbalho-Moulim MC, Miguel GP, Forti EM, Campos Fdo A, Costa D (2011a) Effects of preoperative inspiratory muscle training in obese women undergoing open bariatric surgery: respiratory muscle strength, lung volumes, and diaphragmatic excursion. Clinics (Sao Paulo) 66:1721–1727

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barbalho-Moulim MC, Miguel GP, Forti EM, César Mde C, Azevedo JL, Costa D (2011b) Silicone-ring Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in the treatment of obesity: effects of laparoscopic versus laparotomic surgery on respiration. Obes Surg 21(2):194–199

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barbalho-Moulim MC, Miguel GP, Forti EM, Campos Fdo A, Peixoto-Souza FS, Costa D (2013) Pulmonary function after weight loss in obese women undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: one-year followup. ISRN Obes 2013:796454

    Google Scholar 

  • Black LF, Hyatt RE (1969) Maximal respiratory pressures: normal values and relationship to age and sex. Am Rev Respir Dis 99:696–702

    Google Scholar 

  • Carpenter MA, Tockman MS, Hutchinson RG, Davis CE, Heiss G (1999) Demographic and anthropometric correlates of maximum inspiratory pressure: the atherosclerosis risk in communities study. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 159:415–422

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Celli BR, MacNee W (2004) Standards for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with COPD: a summary of the ATS/ERS position paper. Eur Respir J 23:932–946

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cherniack RM, Guenter CA (1961) The efficiency of the respiratory muscles in obesity. Can J Biochem Physiol 39:1211–1222

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Costa D, Gonçalves HA, Lima LP, Ike D, Cancelliero KM, Montebelo MI (2010) New reference values for maximal respiratory pressures in the Brazilian population. J Bras Pneumol 36(3):306–312

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Davila-Cervantes A, Domınguez-Cherit G, Borunda D (2004) Impact of surgically-induced weight loss on respiratory function: a prospective analysis. Obes Surg 14:1389–1392

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Enright PL, Kronmal RA, Manolio TA, Schenker MB, Hyatt RE (1994) Respiratory muscle strength in the elderly. Correlates and reference values. Cardiovascular Health Study Research Group. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 149:430–438

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Enright S, Chatham K, Ionescu AA, Unnithan VB, Shale DJ (2004) Inspiratory muscle training improves lung function and exercise capacity in adults with cystic fibrosis. Chest 126:405–411

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hamoui N, Anthone G, Crookes PF (2006) The value of pulmonary function testing prior to bariatric surgery. Obes Surg 16:1570–1573

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Harik-Khan RI, Wise RA, Fozard JL (1998) Determinants of maximal inspiratory pressure. The Baltimore longitudinal study of aging. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 158:1459–1464

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hautmann H, Hefele S, Schotten K, Huber HM (2000) Maximal inspiratory mouth pressure (PIMAX) in healthy subjects—what is the lower limit of normal? Respir Med 94:689–693

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hulzebos EH, Helders PJ, Favie NJ, De Bie RA, Brutel de la Riviere A, van Meeteren NL (2006) Preoperative intensive inspiratory muscle training to prevent postoperative pulmonary complications in high-risk patients undergoing CABG surgery: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA 296(15):1851–1857

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jubber AS (2004) Respiratory complications of obesity. J Clin Pract 58:573–580

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kelly TM, Jensen RL, Elliott CG, Crapo RO (1988) Maximum respiratory pressures in morbidly obese subjects. Respiration 54:73–77

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Koenig SM (2001) Pulmonary complications of obesity. Am J Med Sci 321:249–279

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kotidis EV, Papavramidis TS, Ioannidis K, Cheva A, Lazou T, Michalopoulos N et al (2011) The effect of chronically increased intra-abdominal pressure on rectus abdominis muscle histology an experimental study on rabbits. J Surg Res 171(2):609–614

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kotidis E, Papavramidis T, Ioannidis K, Koliakos G, Lazou T, Cheva A et al (2012) Can chronic intra-abdominal hypertension cause oxidative stress to the abdominal wall muscles? An experimental study. J Surg Res 176(1):102–107

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Leech JA, Ghezzo H, Stevens D, Becklake MR (1983) Respiratory pressures and function in young adults. Am Rev Respir Dis 128:17–23

    Google Scholar 

  • Magnani KL, Cataneo AJM (2007) Respiratory muscle strength in obese individuals and influence of upper-body fat distribution. Sao Paulo Med J 125:215–219

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Neder JA, Andreoni S, Lerario MC, Nery LE (1999) Reference values for lung function tests. II. Maximal respiratory pressures and voluntary ventilation. Braz J Med Biol Res 32:719–727

    Google Scholar 

  • Papavramidis TS, Kotidis E, Ioannidis K, Cheva A, Lazou T, Koliakos G et al (2011) Diaphragmatic adaptation following intra-abdominal weight changing. Obes Surg 21(10):1612–1616

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Papavramidis TS, Kotidis E, Ioannidis K, Cheva A, Lazou T, Koliakos G et al (2012) The effects of chronically increased intra-abdominal pressure on the rabbit diaphragm. Obes Surg 22(3):487–492

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Parreira VF, Matos CM, Athayde FT, Moraes KS, Barbosa MH, Britto RR (2012) Evolution of respiratory muscle strength in post-operative gastroplasty. Rev Bras Fisioter 16(3):225–230

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pazzianotto-Forti EM, Peixoto-Souza FS, Piconi-Mendes C, Rasera-Junior I, Barbalho-Moulim M (2012) Behavior of respiratory muscle strength in morbidly obese women by using different predictive equations. Rev Bras Fisioter 16:479–486

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sampson MG, Grassino AE (1983) Load compensation in obese patients during quiet tidal breathing. J Appl Physiol 55:1269–1276

    Google Scholar 

  • Sarikaya S, Cimen OB, Gokcay Y, Erdem R (2003) Pulmonary function tests, respiratory muscle strength, and endurance of persons with obesity. Endocrinologist 13:136–141

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vincken W, Ghezzo H, Cosio MG (1987) Maximal static respiratory pressures in adults: normal values and their relationship to determinants of respiratory function. Bull Eur Physiopathol Respiration 23:435–439

    Google Scholar 

  • Wadstrom C, Muller-Suur R, Backman L (1991a) Influence of excessive weight loss on respiratory function. A study of obese patients following gastroplasty. Eur J Surg 157:341–346

    Google Scholar 

  • Wadstrom C, Muller-Suur R, Backman L (1991b) Influence of excessive weight loss on respiratory function. Eur J Surg 157:341–346

    Google Scholar 

  • Wei YF, Wu HD (2012) Candidates for bariatric surgery: morbidly obese patients with pulmonary dysfunction. J Obes 2012:878371. doi:10.1155/2012/878371

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Weiner P, Waizman J, Weiner M, Rabner M, Magadle R, Zamir D (1998) Influence of excessive weight loss after gastroplasty for morbid obesity on respiratory muscle performance. Thorax 53:39–42

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • WHO (2000) Obesity: preventing and managing the global epidemic. Rep WHO Consult 894:1–253

    Google Scholar 

  • Wilson SH, Cooke NT, Edwards RH, Spiro SG (1984) Predicted normal values for maximal respiratory pressures in caucasian adults and children. Thorax 39:535–538

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zavorsky GS, Murias JM, Kim do J, Gow J, Sylvestre JL, Christou NV (2007) Waist-to-hip ratio is associated with pulmonary gas exchange in the morbidly obese. Chest 131:362–367

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zavorsky GS, Kim DJ, Sylvestre JL, Christou NV (2008) Alveolar-membrane diffusing capacity improves in the morbidly obese after bariatric surgery. Obes Surg 18:256–263

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Authors’ contribution

Initial idea and design of the study: SP, MK, MS, JT, FS, SN. Data collection: SP, MK, MS, JT, FS, SN. Drafting and finalising manuscript: SP, MK, MS, JT, FS, SN. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Compliance with ethical guidelines

Competing interests The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Ethical Approval This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Catharina Hospital Eindhoven. All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.

Informed consent Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Sjaak Pouwels.

Rights and permissions

Open Access This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license, and indicate if changes were made.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Pouwels, S., Kools-Aarts, M., Said, M. et al. Effects of bariatric surgery on inspiratory muscle strength. SpringerPlus 4, 322 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40064-015-1088-2

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40064-015-1088-2

Keywords