Assessment of the acute effects of different PEP levels on respiratory pattern and operational volumes in patients with Parkinson's disease☆

Abstract The aim of the study was to determine the acute effects of positive expiratory pressure (PEP) on breathing pattern, operational volumes and shortening velocity of respiratory muscles on patients with Parkinson's disease. It was evaluated 15 patients and healthy controls, by optoelectronic plethysmography, using PEP in three different levels (10, 15 and 20 cmH 2 O). Breathing pattern changed in both groups. Parkinson group increased tidal volume in all PEP levels ( p p p