Evidence map›Paper›PMID 39997639›Full record

ArticleMethods and protocols2025

Exploratory Ultrasound Analysis of the Diaphragm and Respiratory Capacity in Women with Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study.

Rebeca Del Prado-Álvarez, María García-Arrabé, Ángel González-de-la-Flor, Marta de la Plaza San Frutos, Jaime Almazán-Polo, Cecilia Estrada-Barranco

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Article in Methods and protocols, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

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1citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

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2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Rebeca Del Prado-ÁlvarezDepartment of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Sport, European University of Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain.ORCID 0000-0001-9321-4945
María García-ArrabéDepartment of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Sport, European University of Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain.ORCID 0000-0002-4383-3999
Ángel González-de-la-FlorDepartment of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Sport, European University of Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain.ORCID 0000-0002-7215-3925
Marta de la Plaza San FrutosDepartment of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Sport, European University of Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain.
Jaime Almazán-PoloDepartment of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Sport, European University of Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain.ORCID 0000-0002-2760-8644
Cecilia Estrada-BarrancoDepartment of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Sport, European University of Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain.ORCID 0000-0002-8809-2952

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is a common gynecological condition characterized by menstrual pain without underlying pelvic pathology. It has been linked to functional and structural changes in the core musculature, but limited evidence exists regarding its association with diaphragmatic and respiratory mechanics. This study aimed to elaborate on these potential associations by assessing the diaphragmatic structure and respiratory function in women with PD compared to healthy controls, utilizing ultrasound imaging, spirometry and respiratory pressure measurements.

methodsAn observational, cross-sectional study was conducted with 44 female participants (22 with PD and 22 healthy controls). Diaphragmatic structure was evaluated through ultrasound, measuring the intercostal distance, diaphragmatic thickness, and diaphragmatic excursion at rest and during maximum voluntary contraction. Spirometric assessments included forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), and the FVC/FEV1 ratio, along with measurements of maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximum expiratory pressure (MEP). Group differences were analyzed using Student's

resultsNo significant differences were observed between the groups in diaphragmatic thickness, diaphragmatic excursion, or global respiratory capacity (

conclusionsWhile primary dysmenorrhea does not appear to affect overall diaphragmatic function or respiratory capacity, it is associated with subtle localized changes in the left intercostal dynamics. These findings suggest a potential compensatory mechanical adaptation rather than global respiratory dysfunction. Further longitudinal studies with larger sample sizes are needed to explore the clinical significance of these findings.

Indexed as

chronic paindiaphragmatic functionintercostal distanceprimary dysmenorrhearespiratory mechanicsspirometryultrasound imaging

Identifiers

PMID39997639
PMCPMC11858394

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