Abstract
[Purpose] This study investigated the validity of estimating the diaphragm movement from abdominal wall movement measurements using a simple breathing movement-measuring device (BMMD). [Subjects and Methods] Fifteen healthy young males participated in this study. When breathing based on distances targeted by the BMMD (10, 20, 30 mm) on the abdominal wall (Dab) was performed, the distances of diaphragm movement (Ddi) and of a reflective marker on the abdominal wall (Dma) were measured by ultrasonography and three-dimensional motion analysis, respectively, and Ddi was corrected for the vertical displacement of the ultrasonic probe (Ddi-c). [Results] Compared to Dab, Dma, Ddi, and Ddi-c significantly increased. The regression equations for Ddi and Ddi-c derived from Dab or Dma showed high coefficients of determination. [Conclusion] The results demonstrate that Dab measurements may be useful for estimation of Ddi and Ddi-c of healthy young males.
