Ultrasound Assessment of End-Expiratory Diaphragm Thickness Across Recumbent Positions: Implications for Measurement Standardization


VEREP U., ÖZYÜREK S., Kocak U. Z., Tokur M. E., Koca U., GÖKMEN A. N., ...Daha Fazla

ACUPUNCTURE & ELECTRO-THERAPEUTICS RESEARCH, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1177/03601293261468200
  • Dergi Adı: ACUPUNCTURE & ELECTRO-THERAPEUTICS RESEARCH
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest)
  • Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Background: Ultrasound-based diaphragm thickness assessment is increasingly used in respiratory and rehabilitation settings. However, measurements may be influenced by body position, potentially confounding clinical interpretation. Objective: To investigate whether common recumbent positions (supine, prone, side-lying) alter end-expiratory right hemidiaphragm thickness at the end of quiet expiration in healthy young men. Methods: In this randomized-order, within-subject cross-sectional study, 41 healthy male participants (18-24 years) underwent B-mode ultrasound assessment of right hemidiaphragm thickness at the zone of apposition during end-expiration. Three measurements per position were averaged. Differences across positions were analyzed using the Friedman test. Results: Diaphragm thickness differed significantly across positions (p < 0.001), with greatest values observed in prone, followed by side-lying and supine positions. Conclusion: End-expiratory diaphragm thickness is posture-dependent in healthy young men. These findings demonstrate that diaphragm thickness measurements are strongly posture-dependent and highlight the necessity of strict positioning standardization for reliable ultrasound-based clinical assessment.