Investigating Diaphragm Thickness and Mobility in Healthy Parous and Nulliparous Volunteers Using RUSI

"In this reliability study, ultrasound imaging will be utilized by trained physiotherapists to assess diaphragm thickness and excursion. Participants will be positioned in a semi-recumbent position, while the scanning area will be marked with a surgical skin marker according to specific anatomical landmarks recommended, to ensure reproducibility of the procedure. Ultrasound probe will be placed at the zone of apposition to visualize the diaphragm through the liver window.~Diaphragm thickness will be assessed during both full inhalation and exhalation, capturing images in B-mode to measure distance between the diaphragmatic pleura and peritoneal fascia. Diaphragm excursion will be assessed during tidal volume diaphragmatic breathing, using M-mode to track the craniocaudal displacement of the diaphragm during respiratory cycle. Data obtained will contribute to the evaluation of the reliability of diaphragm thickness and excursion measurements for potential future clinical applications."