Effect of Using a Spine Mat on Chest Expansion, Respiratory Function, and Respiratory Muscle Strength

Abstract

This study compared the results of chest expansion, respiratory function, and respiratory muscle strength before and after an intervention using a spine mat. [Participants and Methods] We enrolled 30 healthy adult men (age 20.2 ± 1.6 years). For the intervention, participants lay in a supine position on a spine mat so that it adhered to the thoracic spine. The primary outcome variables were spinal alignment, thoracic expansion, and respiratory function.[Results] Following the intervention, a significant decrease was observed in the thoracic kyphosis angle. The intervention significantly increased chest expansion. Respiratory function tests revealed a significant increase in the inspiratory capacity (IC), and respiratory muscle strength showed a significant increase in the maximum inspiratory mouth pressure (PI max). [Conclusion] The results suggest that the use of a spine mat can improve chest expansion, the IC and the PI max value.