Influence of posture, sex, and age on breathing pattern and chest wall motion in healthy subjects

Abstract

Objective: We evaluated the effects of posture, sex, and age on breathing pattern and chest wall motion during quiet breathing in healthy participants. Methods: Eighty-three participants aged 42.72 (SD = 21.74) years presenting normal pulmonary function were evaluated by optoelectronic plethysmography in the seated, inclined (with 45 • of trunk inclination), and supine positions. This method allowed to assess the chest wall in a three dimensional way considering the chest wall as three compartments: pulmonary rib cage, abdominal rib cage and abdomen. Results: Posture influenced all variables of breathing pattern and chest wall motion, except respiratory rate and duty cycle. Chest wall tidal volume and minute ventilation were reduced (p < 0.05) in both sexes from seated to inclined and from seated to supine positions, mainly in males. Moreover, moving from seated to supine position significantly increased the percentage contribution of the abdomen to the tidal volume in both sexes (p < 0.0001). Regarding sex, women showed higher contribution of thoracic compartment compared to men (p = 0.008). Aging provided reductions on rib cage contributions to tidal volume that were compensated by increases of abdomen contributions (p < 0.0001). In addition, increases in end-inspiratory and end-expiratory volumes over the years were observed.

Reference equations for tidal breathing parameters using structured light plethysmography

“…In our equation for t I / t tot , sex has not been identified as a determining factor ( t I / t tot was predicted by age and height only). Using optoelectronic plethysmography (OEP) with 83 healthy adult subjects, M endes et al [ 25 ] reported that t I / t tot did not change with posture or sex, which confirms our finding. Furthermore, actual values reported for expected t I / t tot in healthy adults are broadly similar to ours, with T obin et al [ 22 ] and P arreira et al [ 24 ] reporting an average t I / t tot of approximately 0.42±0.03 and 0.39±0.04, respectively.…”

“…[25] using Optoelectronic plethysmography with 83 healthy adult subjects, report that Ti/Ttot did not change with posture or sex which confirms our finding. Furthermore, actual values reported for expected Ti/Ttot in healthy adults are broadly similar to ours, with Tobin [22] and Parreira [25] reporting an average Ti/Ttot of approximately 0.42±0.03 and 0.39±0.04 respecitvely. Wilkens et.…”

“…A comparison between reported values for RTC in children [37] and adults [25] also indicates that ribcage contribution may increase from childhood to adulthood and that is where we have seen the most pronouced increase in our study. Reported values for ribcage contribution seem to be inconsistent [25,37,38] but most studies agree that RTC is higher in females and that ribcage contribution decreases with age in healthy seated adults. We speculate that this descripancy may be due to inclusion of both children and adults in determining the reference equation.…”

Traditional Applications, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Activities of Eupatorium lindleyanum DC.: A Comprehensive Review

“…Respiratory diseases are increasing rapidly and drastically, along with environmental pollution ( Verschakelen and Demedts, 1995 ; Mendes et al, 2020 ). Existing therapies for respiratory diseases are not highly effective; therefore, it is necessary to develop novel agents.…”

Non-Contact Respiratory Measurement Using a Depth Camera for Elderly People

“…4. The determination of the final ROI: Since there is a difference in the contribution of the motion of the thoracic compartment or the abdomen to TV among sex and ages [19], we developed a unique algorithm to obtain the proper position of the bottom of the ROI. The algorithm was as follows:…”