OBJECTIVES: To investigate the diaphragm function, respiratory muscle strength, and pulmonary function in patients with CNP. In addition, their associations were also examined.
DESIGN: A case-control study.
METHODS: A total of 54 participants were recruited including 25 patients with CNP (CNP group) and 29 healthy adults (CON group). Pulmonary function including forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), and respiratory muscle strength represented by maximal inspiratory (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), as well as diaphragm function including ultrasonographic measures of mobility and thickness changes during maximal inspiration and expiration were assessed in all participants. Additionally, the intensity of pain and disability were evaluated using a Visual Analog Scale and Neck Disability Index only in patients with CNP.
RESULTS: Significant reductions of the FVC, FEV1, MIP, and MEP were found in the CNP group compared to the CON group (p