BACKGROUND: Diaphragmatic ultrasound is increasingly used to assess patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The present study aims to investigate diaphragmatic dysfunction in COPD patients through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS: In December 2022,The researchers studied four international databases such as Medline/PubMed, ProQuest, ISI/WOS, and Scopus. Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist was used to review and control the quality of articles. 

RESULTS: Finally, 6 articles were included in the analysis. Based on the meta-analysis results, forced expiratory volume (FEV1) was significantly lower in COPD patients compared to the control group (Hedges's g= -2.99, 95 % CI -4.78, -1.19; P =0.001). Forced vital capacity (FVC) was significantly lower in COPD patients compared to the control group (Hedges's g= -1.12, 95 % CI -1.91, -0.33; P =0.005). COPD patients had significantly lower FEV1/FVC than the control group (Hedges's g= -1.57, 95 % CI -2.33, -0.81; P <0.001).

CONCLUSION: The present study showed that the diaphragm ultrasound (DUS) method could identify the difference in FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC indices in two groups of COPD patients and healthy people.

KEYWORDS: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, diaphragm ultrasound, FEV1, FVC, systematic review, meta-analysis