Publication
Ultrasound imaging assessment of the diaphragm and abdominal muscles in people with a recent history of moderate Covid-19 infection and healthy participants: A cross-sectional pilot study
Publisher:
Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date:
10-02-2023
DOI:
10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0281098
Abstract: Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) is a highly infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and is associated with a decrease of respiratory, physical, and psychological function, subsequently affecting quality of life. The aim of the present pilot study was to use ultrasound imaging (USI) to evaluate and compare the thickness of the diaphragm and abdominal muscles between in iduals recently diagnosed with moderate Covid-19 infection and healthy in iduals. Methods: A cross-sectional observational pilot study was performed. A total s le of 24 participants were recruited from a private medical center (Madrid, Spain): Covid-19 (n = 12) and healthy controls (n = 12). The external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO), transversus abdominis (TrA), rectus abdominis (RA), interrecti distance (IRD) and diaphragm thickness were assessed using USI during inspiration, expiration and during contraction. Results: USI measurements of the thickness of EO, IO, TrA, RA, IRD and the diaphragm did not differ significantly between groups during inspiration, expiration or during contraction (all P 0.05). Conclusions: These preliminary results suggest that the morphology of the abdominal muscles and diaphragm is not altered in people with a recent history of moderate Covid-19 infection.