Health status can predict diaphragmatic muscle thickness in COPD: pilot study

Abstract Introduction: Among the systemic implications of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) there are changes in diaphragm and impact on health status. However, few studies possible relationship between these variables, whether status could predict diaphragmatic muscle thickness (DMT). Objective: To investigate is a DMT prognostic mortality index Body Mass-Index, Airway Obstruction, Dyspnea Exercise Capacity (BODE), dyspnea status, to can patients with COPD entering rehabilitation program. Methods: This pilot study cross-sectional design. Diaphragmatic was evaluated using ultrasound; through Assessment Test (CAT); sensation by modified Medical Research Council scale; mortality, BODE index. Results: The sample consisted 13 (68.69 ± 9.3 years) classified as having moderate severe COPD. There strong inverse correlation (r = -0.735; p 0.004). Simple regression analysis demonstrated that influenced (β -0.002; IC 95% - 0.004 -0.001; 0.004), explaining 49% variance. no correlations were observed 0.005; 0.985) or -0.219; 0.472). Conclusion: DMT. In addition, able