This paper focuses on the experiences of disabled people in the UK assigned to the Employment and Support Allowance Work Related Activity Group. Specifically, it considers the impact of processes of conditionality and sanctions on this group. The research was designed, conducted and analysed collaboratively between a disabled people's user-led organisation (DPULO) and an academic team. The research documents the negative impact that processes of conditionality and sanctions had upon participants. The results highlighted 3 main themes: a lack of equality between disabled claimants and other claimants; significant impact of issues of compliance within a regime that imposes conditions and sanctions; and alternative ways of experiencing and responding to this policy regime. Suggestions are made as to how to involve disabled people in decision-making at policy level to ensure that such conditionality and sanctioning are not used when there is clear evidence that highlights the damaging and detrimental effects of these processes.

40 normal subjects performed spirometry, maximum voluntary ventilation (MW), and tests of static inspiratory (P_i max) and expiratory (P_e max) respiratory muscle pressure. Forced expiratory volumes in 0.5 (FEV_0.5), in 0.75 (FEV_0.75), and 1 sec (FEV₁) correlated significantly with MW (r = 0.805, 0.804, 0.779, respectively). When P_i max was considered as a second independent variable, the probability of predicting MVV from timed forced expiratory volumes was enhanced (r = 0.914, 0.900 and 0.872 for FEV_0.5, FEV_0.75, and FEV₁, respectively). Statistical analysis indicated that multiple regression with Pi max was superior to regression with timed forced expiratory volume alone in the prediction of MW. For any given FEV₁ however, Pi max was widely dispersed (range: -60 to -200 cm H₂O). MW values, expressed as percentage difference between largest and smallest value, varied less than did P_i max. P_e max, vital capacity, height and age did not enhance the ability of timed forced expiratory volumes to predict MVV. These data indicate that while respiratory muscle strength is important for sustaining maximal ventilation, the MW is not a sensitive indicator of respiratory muscle strength.

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