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IMPACT OF AGING ON DIAPHRAGM THICKNESS AND RESPIRATORY FUNCTION: COMPARISON WITH PERIPHERAL SKELETAL MUSCLE

Abstract

Aging is associated with a general loss of muscle size and strength, termed sarcopenia. However, less understood is the impact of advancing age specific to the size and structure of the diaphragm, the primary muscle regulating breathing. PURPOSE: Determine the impact of aging on the size and function of the diaphragm and identify how any impact compares to that of peripheral skeletal muscle. METHODS: Nine young (4M, 5F; 22±1yr) and seven older (3M, 4F; 69±4yr) healthy individuals volunteered for this study. While lying supine, ultrasound images of the right hemidiaphragm were obtained to determine diaphragm thickness (end expiration, maximal inspiration). Images of the thigh were obtained to determine thickness of the vastus lateralis. Inspiratory muscle strength was evaluated using maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and thigh muscle strength was assessed using peak isometric force. RESULTS: Vastus lateralis thickness was 35% lower in older (1.68±0.34cm) compared to younger adults (2.58±0.60cm) (P<0.05), and peak isometric force during leg extension was 39% lower in older (119±20Nm) compared to younger adults (196±59Nm) (P<0.05). Diaphragm thickness after exhalation was not statistically different (P>0.05) between older (0.181±0.057cm) and younger adults (0.176±0.033cm), nor was maximal inspiratory diaphragm thickness (older = 0.316±0.100; younger = 0.361±0.088cm) (P>0.05). However, MIP tended (P=0.1) to be lower in older (78±35cmH2O) compared to younger adults (100±20cmH2O). CONCLUSION: These preliminary data suggest that age-related changes to the structure and function of the diaphragm may differ from those in peripheral skeletal muscle. It is interesting to speculate about a potential role for exercise in preserving diaphragm size and function during aging as the older adults in the current study were considered to be relatively active.

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