RELACIÓN ENTRE LA EXCURSIÓN DIAFRAGMÁTICA Y LA FUERZA MÁXIMA EN EJERCICIO DEL TREN SUPERIOR

Abstract

The main respiratory muscle, the diaphragm is essential to ensure mechanical ventilation during exercise, thus allowing efficient gas exchange and oxygen distribution to the tissues necessary for energy production. In addition, it contributes to core stability and strength generation, to coordinate with other muscle groups to maintain fullness in sporting gestures. By means of ultrasound it is possible to measure the thickness of the diaphragm, analyze its movement during breathing and identify possible alterations such as restrictions in mobility, atrophy or injuries. In activities such as bench presses or squats, holding the breath for a moment will favor the stability of the center of the body and facilitate lifting more weight. This study analyzed the relationship between diaphragmatic excursion and maximal upper body strength in physiotherapy students with moderate physical activity, finding that there is no significant correlation between both variables. The research, conducted using ultrasound measurements of diaphragmatic mobility and strength tests such as the Bench Press, included participants with low frequency of strength training, suggesting that, in non-athlete populations, respiratory capacity does not directly determine maximal muscle performance. These results indicate that other factors, such as neuromuscular activation or specific training, may have an impact on maximal muscle performance.