Influence of gender on diaphragm thickness using a method for determining intima media thickness in healthy young adults

Abstract

Background To clarify the differences in diaphragm thickness between male and female participants in healthy young adults with ultrasonography using the mean intima media thickness (IMT) method and to investigate the relationship between diaphragm thickness and respiratory pressure. Methods Twenty-nine healthy individuals (16 females and 13 males) participated in the study. Diaphragm thickness was measured at total lung capacity (TLC) and at functional residual capacity (FRC) in each participant. We measured the diaphragm thickness using a method for mean intima media thickness. Moreover, change ratio of diaphragm thickness was calculated with the diaphragm thickness at TLC and FRC. Results Mean diaphragm thicknesses at FRC in males were significantly narrower than those in females (p < 0.001). The change ratio of diaphragm thickness was significantly augmented in males compared with that in females (p < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between the change ratio of diaphragm thickness and pulmonary function data and respiratory muscle strength in healthy young adults. Conclusions The change ratio of diaphragm thickness using the IMT method can be accurately performed with a high degree of reproducibility by clinical laboratory technicians and may be a useful indicator for evaluating diaphragm muscle strength.

Sex‐Based Differences in the Sonographic Characterization of Diaphragm Thickness in Preterm Infants With Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia at Term Corrected Age

“…Sex differences in preterm infants have not been previously reported. In contrast, the diaphragmatic thicknesses of healthy young adults at functional residual capacity were significantly thicker in females than males 10 . In addition, the female adult diaphragm is more resistant to exercise‐induced fatigue.…”

“…In contrast, the diaphragmatic thicknesses of healthy young adults at functional residual capacity were significantly thicker in females than males. 10 In addition, the female adult diaphragm is more resistant to exercise-induced fatigue. Due to the persistent sex-specific differences in the incidence of prematurity associated BPD, we suggest that there may be a comparable association to the preterm diaphragm, in which the female diaphragm is less prone to fatigue and better able to maintain ventilation.…”

“…Due to the persistent sex‐specific differences in the incidence of prematurity associated BPD, we suggest that there may be a comparable association to the preterm diaphragm, in which the female diaphragm is less prone to fatigue and better able to maintain ventilation. In comparison, males have a thinner diaphragm, 10 and the predominant breathing pattern in males is diaphragmatic 9 . Taken together, the slimmer diaphragm, and the greater dependence on the diaphragm for breathing could explain the higher need for ventilatory support and ultimately higher incidence of BPD in preterm male infants.…”

“…From an anatomical perspective, the diaphragm and the length of the zone of apposition are shorter in adult females, 9 while females exhibit greater thickness compared with males. 10 Additionally, males tend to demonstrate a more predominant diaphragmatic breathing pattern 9 ; in comparison, the adult female diaphragm may have greater resistance to exercise-induced fatigue. 11 Diaphragm thickness has been assessed in preterm infants 12,13 and children.…”

“…The diaphragm is the main muscle for respiration, and it is well‐established that there are sex‐related differences in the structure and function of the diaphragm. From an anatomical perspective, the diaphragm and the length of the zone of apposition are shorter in adult females, 9 while females exhibit greater thickness compared with males 10 . Additionally, males tend to demonstrate a more predominant diaphragmatic breathing pattern 9 ; in comparison, the adult female diaphragm may have greater resistance to exercise‐induced fatigue 11 …”