PLoS ONE (Jan 2022)

Postural-respiratory function of the diaphragm assessed by M-mode ultrasonography

  • Martin Sembera,
  • Andrew Busch,
  • Alena Kobesova,
  • Barbora Hanychova,
  • Jan Sulc,
  • Pavel Kolar

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 17, no. 10

Abstract

Read online

Objectives The diaphragm changes position and respiratory excursions during postural loading. However, it is unclear how it reacts to lifting a load while breath-holding or breathing with simultaneous voluntary contraction of the abdominal muscles (VCAM). This study analyzed diaphragm motion in healthy individuals during various postural-respiratory situations. Methods 31 healthy participants underwent examination of the diaphragm using M-mode ultrasonography, spirometry, and abdominal wall tension (AWT) measurements. All recordings were performed simultaneously during three consecutive scenarios, i.e., 1. Lifting a load without breathing; 2. Lifting a load and breathing naturally; 3. Lifting a load and breathing with simultaneous VCAM. Results Using paired-samples t-tests, lifting a load without breathing displaced the diaphragm’s expiratory position more caudally (P Conclusion In healthy individuals, caudal displacement and greater excursions of the diaphragm occurred when lifting a load. The postural function of the diaphragm is independent of its respiratory activity and is not reduced by the increase in AWT.