Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 8, 2025

Measurements of Motor Function and Other Clinical Outcome Parameters in Ambulant Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Measurements of Motor Function and Other Clinical Outcome Parameters in Ambulant Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Published on: January 12, 2019

Thoracoabdominal asynchrony and paradoxical motion in Duchenne muscular dystrophy and healthy subjects during cough:

Layana Marques^1,2, Guilherme Augusto de Freitas Fregonezi^1,2, Ana Aline Marcelino^1,2

¹Departamento de Fisioterapia, Pneumo CardioVascular Lab/HUOL, Hospital Universitário Onofre Lopes, Empresa Brasileira de Serviços Hospitalares (EBSERH), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil.

Pediatric Pulmonology

|April 18, 2021

Abstract

Objective:

To assess thoracoabdominal asynchrony (TAA) and inspiratory paradoxical motion at different positionings in subjects with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) versus healthy subjects during quiet spontaneous breathing (QB) and cough.

Methods:

This is a case control study with a matched-pair design. We assessed 14 DMD subjects and 12 controls using optoelectronic plethysmography (OEP) during QB and spontaneous cough in 3 positions: supine, supine with headrest raised at 45°, and sitting with back support at 80°. The TAA was assessed using phase angle (θ) between upper (RCp) and lower rib cage (RCa) and abdomen (AB), as well as the percentage of inspiratory time the RCp (IP_RCp ), RCa (IP_RCa ), and AB (IP_AB ) moved in opposite directions.

Results:

During cough, DMD group showed higher RCp and RCa θ (p < .05), RCp and AB θ (p < .05) in supine and 45° positions, and higher RCp and Rca θ (p = .006) only in supine position compared with controls. Regarding the intragroup analysis, during cough, DMD group presented higher RCp and AB θ (p = .02) and RCa and AB θ (p = .002) in supine and higher RCa and AB θ (p = .002) in 45° position when compared to 80°. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyzes were able to discriminate TAA between controls and DMD in RCa supine position (area under the curve: 0.81, sensibility: 78.6% and specificity: 91.7%, p = .001).

Conclusion:

Subjects with DMD yields TAA with insufficient deflation of chest wall compartments and rib cage distortion during cough, by noninvasive assessment.

Keywords:

Duchenne muscular dystrophy cough inspiratory paradox time

More Related Videos

Diaphragmatic Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition and Interpretation

Diaphragmatic Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition and Interpretation

Published on: January 31, 2025

Acquisition and Semi-Automated Analysis of Respiratory Muscle Surface Electromyography

Acquisition and Semi-Automated Analysis of Respiratory Muscle Surface Electromyography

Published on: January 24, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies

Assessing and diagnosing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) involves a detailed approach that includes a comprehensive review of medical history, physical examination, and a variety of diagnostic tests. This thorough evaluation is essential to ensure an accurate diagnosis and guide effective management strategies.
Medical History

Respiratory System Abnormal Finding I: Inspection and Percussion

Respiratory System Abnormal Finding I: Inspection and Percussion

Respiratory system abnormalities are a significant concern in healthcare due to their potential to indicate underlying severe conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma, and pneumonia. These abnormalities can often be detected through physical examination methods like inspection and percussion.
Inspection Findings
During an inspection, several findings may suggest the presence of respiratory distress or disease. Pursed-lip breathing, where exhalation is slowed by...

Respiratory System Abnormal Finding II: Palpation and Auscultation

Respiratory System Abnormal Finding II: Palpation and Auscultation

In assessing respiratory abnormalities, palpation and auscultation are critical tools for detecting and interpreting various pathophysiological changes. These techniques provide insight into underlying disorders by evaluating tactile sensations and sounds produced by the respiratory system.
Palpation Findings
During a respiratory assessment, palpation can reveal several vital abnormalities:

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

COPD is defined as a heterogeneous lung condition marked by persistent respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and sputum production, caused by abnormalities in the airways that cause airflow obstruction.
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-lasting respiratory condition requiring continuous attention and care. It is a progressive lung disease that leads to breathing challenges due to airflow obstruction. It manifests as persistent respiratory symptoms and restricted airflow resulting from abnormalities in the airways and alveoli, usually due to long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases. COPD mainly consists of two primary conditions: emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Detection of Post- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome (BOS)-The Use of Airway Oscillometry.

Pediatric pulmonology·2026

Evaluation of a self-administered version of the Revised Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R).

Arquivos de neuro-psiquiatria·2026

Acute effects of THC and a CBD+THC combination on cardiovascular haemodynamics and respiratory muscle activity during loaded breathing in healthy adults: A randomized placebo-controlled crossover study.

British journal of clinical pharmacology·2026

Effects of Incremental Inspiratory Load on Inspiratory Muscle Activity in Subjects with Chronic Stroke in Comparison to Healthy Controls: A Case-Control Study.

Journal of functional morphology and kinesiology·2026

Distinct cytokine and chemokine alterations in bronchoalveolar fluid from patients with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis associated lung disease (SJIA-LD).

Arthritis research & therapy·2026

Cough Assistance Techniques in Adolescents and Young Adults with Neuromuscular Diseases Using Home Noninvasive Ventilatory Support: A Preliminary Cross-Sectional Physiological Study.

NeuroRehabilitation·2026

See all related articles