Diaphragmatic Ultrasound and EMG Assessment: Non-invasive assessment of diaphragmatic morphofunction and respiratory drive using ultrasound imaging and diaphragm electromyography (EMG). This evaluation will be performed once per participant without any therapeutic intervention.
Study summary
This cross-sectional observational study aims to assess the diaphragmatic morphofunction and respiratory drive characteristics among patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), overlap syndrome (OS), and healthy controls. Using ultrasound imaging and surface diaphragm electromyography (EMGdi), the study will explore group differences in diaphragmatic morphology, function, and respiratory drive indicators, and evaluate their clinical significance in disease differentiation and severity assessment.
Eligibility
Sex
ALL
Min age
18 Years
Max age
80 Years
Healthy volunteers
Accepted
Inclusion Criteria:
1. Patients aged between 18 and 80 years.
2. For OSA Group: Diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea with AHI ≥ 5 events/hour based on overnight polysomnography.
3. For COPD Group: Diagnosed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease based on GOLD guidelines.
4. For Overlap Group: Diagnosed both OSA (AHI ≥ 5) and COPD.
5. For Control Group: Healthy volunteers with no known respiratory diseases or sleep disorders.
6. Ability and willingness to provide informed consent for participation in the study.
Exclusion Criteria:
1. Severe cardiovascular diseases (e.g., unstable angina, heart failure NYHA III/IV).
2. Severe hepatic or renal insufficiency.
3. Neuromuscular diseases affecting respiratory muscles.
4. Recent upper airway or thoracic surgery (within 3 months).
5. Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
6. Participants who cannot complete assessments due to cognitive impairment or poor cooperation.
Primary outcome measure(s)
Diaphragmatic electromyography (EMGdi-rest) at baseline — Baseline (at enrollment) To assess resting diaphragmatic electromyographic activity (µV) across OSA, COPD, Overlap, and control groups using surface and esophageal EMG.
Diaphragmatic EMG during maximal inspiration (EMGdi-max) — Baseline (at enrollment) To assess maximal inspiratory diaphragmatic EMG activity (µV) using voluntary effort tests with surface and esophageal EMG.
Relative inspiratory EMG effort (EMGdi%max) — Baseline (at enrollment) To calculate the ratio of EMGdi-rest to EMGdi-max as a percentage, reflecting the relative inspiratory effort.
Trial sites (1)
Facility
City
Region
Status
The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University
This page summarises publicly available registry data for informational purposes — not medical advice. Eligibility is determined by each study team; patients should discuss participation with their clinician.
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