Diapgragm Ultrasound
Diaphragm Ultrasound (DUS), along with other muscles of the respiratory system (e.g. intercostal, abdominal), is of great interest to physiotherapists working within respiratory specialities. However, as it currently stands there is no clear training pathway to bring DUS into our scope of practice within the United Kingdom.
This does not mean it isn’t being used by physiotherapists in other countries who practice DUS in both a clinical and research capacity, with many publishing work in this area.
Current plans are to create an advanced Lung Ultrasound module which would include DUS.
Requests and ideas for additional content are welcome, please email simon.hayward1@nhs.net
- Le Neindre et al (2016), Thoracic ultrasound: Potential new tool for physiotherapists in respiratory management. A narrative review. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrc.2015.10.014
- Hayward & Janssen (2018), Use of thoracic ultrasound by physiotherapists: a scoping review of the literature. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physio.2018.01.001
- Le Neindre et al (2021) Diagnostic accuracy of diaphragm ultrasound to predict weaning outcome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2021.103890
- Le Neindre et al (2021), Thoracic ultrasound influences physiotherapist’s clinical decision- making in respiratory management of critical care patients: a multicentre cohort study http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/thoraxjnl-2021-218217
- Truong et al (2023), Methodological and Clinimetric Evaluation of Inspiratory Respiratory Muscle Ultrasound in the Critical Care Setting: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. https://doi.org/10.1097/CCM.0000000000005739
- Lockstone et al (2023), The use of diaphragm and lung ultrasound in acute respiratory physiotherapy practice and the impact on clinical decision-making: A systematic review and meta-analysis. (Open Access) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aucc.2023.10.001
- Hayward et al (2025), Exploring the adoption of diaphragm and lung ultrasound (DLUS) by physiotherapists, physical therapists, and respiratory therapists: an updated scoping review (Open Access) https://doi.org/10.1186/s13089-025-00412-w
