Diaphragm thickness and respiratory muscle strength in hospitalized patients with chronic disease: A cross-sectional study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v15i1.50528Keywords:
Diaphragm, Ultrasonography, Chronic diseases, Respiratory function tests, Hospitalization.Abstract
To analyze and compare diaphragmatic thickness and respiratory muscle strength between hospitalized individuals with chronic diseases and healthy controls. This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted at a tertiary public hospital between August and December 2025. Fourteen participants were evaluated and allocated into two groups: Chronic Group (n = 7) and Control Group (n = 7). Diaphragmatic thickness was assessed using B-mode ultrasonography during quiet inspiration and expiration. Respiratory muscle strength was measured using manovacuometry through maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP). Statistical analysis included Student’s t-test, Mann–Whitney test, chi-square and Fisher’s Exact test, with significance set at p < 0.05. Diaphragmatic thickness was significantly lower in the Chronic Group during inspiration (4.41 ± 1.00mm) and expiration (2.70 ± 0.67mm) compared to the Control Group (5.64 ± 1.04mm; 4.19 ± 1.43mm), with p = 0.0435 and p = 0.0111, respectively. No differences were found in respiratory muscle strength between groups for MIP (p = 0.937) or MEP (p = 0.674). Length of hospital stay was significantly higher in the Chronic Group (p = 0.04). Hospitalized individuals with chronic diseases exhibited reduced diaphragmatic thickness compared to healthy controls, despite similar respiratory muscle strength. These findings suggest that structural alterations of the diaphragm may occur early and independently of measurable functional deficits. Ultrasonography proved to be a valuable tool for the early identification of respiratory changes in hospitalized patients.
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