Variation in diaphragmatic thickness according to age, body mass index, and sex in young Mexicans: a cross-sectional ultrasound study
Keywords:
GROSOR DE LOS PLIEGUES CUTÁNEOS; ÍNDICE DE MASA CORPORAL; ULTRASONOGRAFÍA; FUNCIÓN RESPIRATORIA.; SKINFOLD THICKNESS; BODY MASS INDEX; ULTRASONOGRAPHY; RESPIRATORY FUNCTION.Abstract
Introduction: ultrasound allows for the measurement of diaphragm thickness; however, the influence of sex, age, and body mass index (BMI) on this measurement in young adults has been described with inconsistent results.
Objective: to determine whether there is a difference in diaphragm thickness between young men and women, and to identify whether age and body mass index are associated with it.
Methods: an observational, cross-sectional study was conducted on 66 young Mexicans aged 18 to 35, selected via non-probability convenience sampling. Diaphragm thickness was measured using ultrasound, and weight, height, and body mass index were recorded. Comparisons between sexes were performed using an independent-samples Student’s t-test, and the relationship with body mass index was evaluated through linear regression.
Results: the mean thickness was 2,35 mm for 35 men and 2,31 mm for 31 women, with no significant difference (p = 0.775). Thickness decreased from 2.86 mm in the 18–22 age group to 1.65 mm in the 32–35 age group (linear trend, p = 0,001). Body mass index was positively associated with diaphragm thickness (p = 0,03).
Conclusions: in this sample, no differences were found between sexes, while diaphragm thickness was associated with both age and body mass index. These associations require confirmation through adjusted analyses in larger samples.
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