Effects of gender and posture on thoraco-abdominal kinematics during quiet breathing in healthy adults

To investigate the effects of posture and gender on thoraco-abdominal motion and breathing pattern, 34 healthy men and women were studied by Opto-Electronic Plethysmography during quiet breathing in five different postures from seated (with and without back support) to supine position. Chest wall kinematics and breathing pattern were significantly influenced by position and gender. The progressively increased inclination of the trunk determined a progressive reduction of rib cage displacement, tidal volume, and minute ventilation and a progressive increase of abdominal contribution to tidal volume. Female subjects were characterized by smaller dimensions of the rib cage compartment and during quiet breathing by lower tidal volume, minute ventilation and abdominal contribution to tidal volume than males. The effect of posture on abdominal kinematics was significant only in women. The presence of a back support in seated position determined differences in breathing pattern. In conclusion, posture and gender have a strong influence on breathing and on chest wall kinematics.