Search

Many diseases and conditions can alter an ability to maintain body balance. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether thoracic surgery may elicit diaphragm dysfunction thereby impairing postural stability. 40 patients qualified to video-assisted thoracoscopy (VATS) lobectomy or lobectomy via thoracotomy due to pulmonary carcinoma were examined two times: a day before lung resection and 3–5 days after surgical procedure. Diaphragm assessment was performed using ultrasonography, while postural sways were evaluated by Zebris FDM-S stabilometric platform. Thoracic surgery was associated with decrease of diaphragm thickness and movement, as well as, with deterioration of static body balance maintenance. Upper lobe resection was linked with greater diaphragm excursion restriction and worse body sway parameters than middle and lower lobe resection. VATS lobectomy was associated with better postoperative diaphragm function and better postural sway parameters than lobectomy via thoracotomy. Patients after lobectomy via thoracotomy had significantly more load on lower limb on the operated side than patients after VATS lobectomy. Impairment of diaphragm function is closely associated with equilibrium impairment after pulmonary resection. VATS lobectomy was less invasive than lobectomy via thoracotomy in terms of primary respiratory muscle function and body balance maintenance parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diaphragm is well known for its role as the principal muscle of respiration. However, according to previous studies, its role is multifactorial, from breathing through pain perception, regulation of emotional sphere, collaborating in gastroesophageal functions, facilitating the venous and lymphatic return, to an essential role in the maintenance of lumbar spine stability. The purpose of the study was to examine whether diaphragm function parameters (thickness and range of motion) are associated with static balance maintenance. A total of 142 participants were examined and divided into three groups: G1—patients qualified for lung resection due to cancer; G2 –patients after lobe resection; G3 –healthy subjects. Diaphragm thickness and excursion was measured using ultrasonography. Stabilometric parameters of balance were assessed by Zebris FDM-S platform. Greater diaphragm thickening during active breathing and diaphragm thickness fraction were associated with better static balance parameters. Limitation of diaphragm motion during quiet breathing and deep breathing was linked to balance disorders. There was no correlation between diaphragm muscle excursion during sniff maneuvers and balance parameters. Deterioration of diaphragm function observed after thoracic surgery was closely related with deterioration of balance maintenance. Impairment of diaphragm function manifested by decrease of muscle thickness and movement restriction is strongly associated with balance disorders in a clinical sample and among healthy subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]