Citation Information :
Arora RD, Patil MR, Saifi SA, Khude TS. Ultrasound Evaluation of Diaphragm Motion in Various Body Positions in Normal Adults in Age-group of 20–30 Years: A Pilot Study. Indian J Respir Care 2023; 12 (4):320-324.
Aims and background: Body positioning is a noninvasive therapeutic intervention used by physiotherapists, with significant effects on and benefits for pulmonary function and oxygenation. It influences ventilation distribution, perfusion, alveolar opening pressure, and diaphragmatic mechanics. This study is to assess diaphragm motion using M-mode ultrasonography (USG) in body positions of supine, side-lying, half-lying, sitting, and forward-lean sitting which are commonly used in treating respiratory patients.
Materials and methods: A total of 40 healthy adults, (20 males and 20 females) nonsmokers, with normal body mass index (BMI), in the age-group of 20–30 years were enrolled after approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee. The study was conducted in collaboration with the Radiology Department of Tertiary Health Care Hospital. USG for right diaphragm motion was done using M-mode. The transducer was placed transversely on the anterior axillary line over the lower intercostal space and a three-layered image was taken. Right, diaphragm motion was assessed with subjects breathing normally and positioned supine, left-side lying, sitting, forward-lean sitting, and half-lying position. Three measurements were recorded and the highest reading was considered. Data was collected and analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.
Results: The right diaphragm motion was 60.04 ± 6.01 mm in supine, 39.59 ± 7.81 mm in left-side lying, 61.27 ± 5.93 mm in half-lying, 41.38 ± 7.41 mm in sitting and 38.68 ± 6.32 mm in forward-lean sitting. Diaphragm motion was highest in half-lying followed by supine, sitting, and forward-lean positions (p = 0.001). There was no significant difference between diaphragm motion in males and females (p > 0.001).
Conclusion: In healthy subjects, diaphragm motion was significantly influenced by body position and was found higher in the supine and half-lying positions.
Clinical significance: Ultrasonography (USG) evaluates diaphragmatic motion, useful in pulmonary rehabilitation. Diaphragm motion is highest in supine and half-lying positions, suggesting effective breathing exercises in these positions.
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