Impact of diaphragm function parameters on balance maintenance

Area of Science:

• Respiratory Physiology
• Biomechanics
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• The diaphragm is primarily known for respiration but also influences pain, emotion, gastroesophageal function, venous/lymphatic return, and spinal stability.
• Previous research suggests a multifactorial role for the diaphragm beyond breathing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between diaphragm function parameters (thickness, range of motion) and static balance maintenance.
• To assess diaphragm function in patients undergoing or having undergone lung resection and in healthy controls.

Main Methods:

• Utilized ultrasonography to measure diaphragm thickness and excursion in 142 participants (cancer patients, post-lobe resection patients, healthy subjects).
• Assessed stabilometric balance parameters using a Zebris FDM-S platform.

Main Results:

• Increased diaphragm thickening during active breathing and higher thickness fraction correlated with better static balance.
• Limited diaphragm motion during quiet and deep breathing was associated with balance impairments.
• No correlation was found between diaphragm excursion during sniff maneuvers and balance parameters.
• Thoracic surgery led to diaphragm function deterioration, closely mirroring balance maintenance decline.

Conclusions:

• Diaphragm impairment, characterized by reduced thickness and restricted movement, strongly correlates with balance disorders in both clinical and healthy populations.
• Diaphragm function is a critical factor in maintaining static balance.