Bruno Bordoni 1, Bruno Morabito 2, Allan R Escher 3 4
Abstract
The diaphragm muscle (DM) is the most complex muscle in the entire musculoskeletal system, and it is associated with the most systemic actions. It is often labeled a pump, reflecting its role in the respiratory and circulatory systems. In reality, the DM’s functions are broader, and the term “pump” does not adequately capture its importance. Clinically, DM is rarely considered to improve movement, cognitive and emotional functioning, or its influence on the immune response. Clinically and based on two-dimensional instrumental examinations, it is believed that DM “flattens” during inspiration or in the presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In contrast, we highlight, based on literature employing three-dimensional clinical instrumentation, that DM does not change its morphology during inflation. Therefore, the importance of DM functional assessment lies not in its shape but in its ability to move. To conclude, we propose a hypothesis for an adjective that best reflects the systemic functional complexity of DM.
Copyright © 2025, Bordoni et al.
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Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.
