Impact of diaphragm function parameters on balance maintenance

• Published in: PloS one Vol. 13; no. 12; p. e0208697
• Main Authors: Kocjan, Janusz, Gzik-Zroska, Bożena, Nowakowska, Katarzyna, Burkacki, Michał, Suchoń, Sławomir, Michnik, Robert, Czyżewski, Damian, Adamek, Mariusz
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Public Library of Science 28.12.2018; Public Library of Science (PLoS)
• Subjects: Abdomen; Adult; Aged; Biology and Life Sciences; Biomedical engineering; Breathing; Cancer; Dentistry; Diaphragm; Diaphragm (Anatomy); Diaphragm - anatomy & histology; Diaphragm - diagnostic imaging; Diaphragm - physiology; Diaphragm - physiopathology; Disorders; Engineering; Female; Humans; Hyperventilation; Hypotheses; Lung cancer; Lung Neoplasms - diagnostic imaging; Lung Neoplasms - pathology; Lung Neoplasms - physiopathology; Lung Neoplasms - surgery; Maintenance; Male; Maneuvers; Medicine and Health Sciences; Middle Aged; Muscle fatigue; Muscles; Organ Size; Pain; Pain perception; Parameters; Patients; Physical Sciences; Physiological aspects; Postural Balance - physiology; Posture; Properties; Range of Motion, Articular; Respiration; Single-Blind Method; Spine; Spine (lumbar); Surgery; Thickening; Thickness; Thoracic surgery; Thorax; Ultrasonic imaging; Ultrasonography; Ultrasound; Ventilation; Young Adult; Poland
• ISSN: 1932-6203; 1932-6203
• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0208697

The diaphragm is well known for its role as the principal muscle of respiration. However, according to previous studies, its role is multifactorial, from breathing through pain perception, regulation of emotional sphere, collaborating in gastroesophageal functions, facilitating the venous and lymphatic return, to an essential role in the maintenance of lumbar spine stability. The purpose of the study was to examine whether diaphragm function parameters (thickness and range of motion) are associated with static balance maintenance. A total of 142 participants were examined and divided into three groups: G1-patients qualified for lung resection due to cancer; G2 -patients after lobe resection; G3 -healthy subjects. Diaphragm thickness and excursion was measured using ultrasonography. Stabilometric parameters of balance were assessed by Zebris FDM-S platform. Greater diaphragm thickening during active breathing and diaphragm thickness fraction were associated with better static balance parameters. Limitation of diaphragm motion during quiet breathing and deep breathing was linked to balance disorders. There was no correlation between diaphragm muscle excursion during sniff maneuvers and balance parameters. Deterioration of diaphragm function observed after thoracic surgery was closely related with deterioration of balance maintenance. Impairment of diaphragm function manifested by decrease of muscle thickness and movement restriction is strongly associated with balance disorders in a clinical sample and among healthy subjects.