Diaphragm Contractility in Individuals with Chronic Ankle Instability.

Introduction/Purpose: Previous investigations have identified impaired trunk and postural stability in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI). The diaphragm muscle contributes to trunk and postural stability by modulating the intra-abdominal pressure. A potential mechanism that could help to explain trunk and postural stability deficits may be related to altered diaphragm function due to supraspinal sensorimotor changes with CAI. The purpose of this study was to examine the diaphragm contractility in individuals with CAI and healthy controls. Methods: Twenty-seven participants with self-reported CAI and 28 healthy control participants volunteered. A portable ultrasound unit was used to visualize and measure the right and left hemi-diaphragm thickness at the end of resting inspiration and expiration in supine while breathing quietly. The diaphragm movement was imaged and recorded on B-mode ultrasonography. The degree of diaphragm contractility was calculated from the mean of three images from the end of resting inspiration and expiration. Independent t-tests were utilized to compare the degree of diaphragm thickness of right and left sides between the CAI and control groups. Results: The CAI group had a smaller degree of left hemi-diaphragm contractility compared to the control group (p=0.03). There was no between-group difference in other diaphragm variables. Conclusion: Individuals with CAI appear to have altered diaphragm contractility, which may be an illustration of diaphragm dysfunction and central nervous system changes in CAI population. The association between CAI and altered diaphragm contractility provides clinicians a more comprehensive awareness of proximal impairments associated with CAI. Future investigation is needed to determine if altered contractility of the diaphragm contributes to functional impairments, activity limitations, and participant restrictions commonly observed in patients with CAI. (C) 2016 American College of Sports Medicine

from Sports Medicine via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1XnqN9k


from #Med Blogs by Alexandros G.Sfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1XnBrgf
via IFTTT