Análise da função pulmonar em indivíduos com lesão do plexo braquial Analysis of pulmonary function in individuals with brachial plexus injury

Introduction. The brachial plexus injuries have serious repercussions on the functionality, family life and quality of life. Method. Crosssectional, descriptive and exploratory study with quantitative methodological strategy developed in 15 volunteers with brachial plexus injury in Clinical physical therapy school in Fortaleza/CE. Pulmonary function was evaluated by ventilometry, manovacuometry, and spirometry. Results. Of the 15 subjects with brachial plexus injury, 73.26% (n=11) had complete lesion and 26.74% (n=4) incomplete injury. In the evaluation of lung function found average respiratory rate of 15.73bpm (10-24), mean tidal volume of 0.72L (0.29 to 1.2) and mean minute volume of 10.68L/min (5.60 -17.55). In manovacometry, the study sample presented a MIP of -121.66±8.58 cmH20 and MEP of 86±6.78 cmH 2 O, lower expiratory values than predicted (p<0.001). In relation to the spirometric values, volunteers showed a characteristic of restrictive lung disease. Conclusion. Individuals with brachial plexus showed deficits in lung function, with characteristic of restrictive pattern and presents expiratory muscle weakness.