Table 4.

Patients’ percentage of change of ultrasonographic measurements after pulmonary rehabilitation between “markedly improved” and “slightly improved” patients based on MCID at 6MWT

Ultrasonographic measurements	6MWD >54 m N=8	6MWD <54 m N=17	P-value
Diaphragm zapp
ΔLzapp TLC%	−15 (−26 to −12)	−18 (−23 to −9)	0.791
ΔLzapp FRC%	12 (10–15)	8 (3–11)	0.023
ΔSzapp TLC%	−5 (−8 to −2)	−5 (−10 to −3)	0.733
ΔSzapp FRC%	−6 (−9 to 0)	−7 (−11 to 0)	0.850
Diaphragmatic excursion
ΔQuiet breathing, %	5 (2–10)	15 (3–44)	0.112
ΔDeep breathing, %	6 (1–12)	17 (5–47)	0.132
ΔRectus femoris area, %	10 (6–15)	8 (4–12)	0.850

Note: Data are presented as median (25th–75th percentiles).

Abbreviations: MCID, minimally clinical important difference; PR, pulmonary rehabilitation; zapp, diaphragm zone of apposition; Lzapp, length of diaphragm zone of apposition; Szapp, thickness of diaphragm zone of apposition; TLC, total lung capacity; FRC, functional residual capacity; 6MWD, 6-minute walking distance; 6MWT, 6-minute walking test.