Abstract
[Purpose] Lateral bending is a simple movement, but there are many unclear aspects about its influence on breathing motion. In this study, we measured chest wall motion with a 3D analysis system and investigated the influence of lateral bending on breathing motion. [Subjects] The subjects were 12 healthy adult men. [Methods] In lateral bending, we measured the chest wall motion through the variations of body markers. With regard to extension and reduction in variation of chest wall motion, we performed a comparison with upright standing of the bent and extended sides. [Results] Compared to standing, in lateral bending, breathing variation and variation of chest wall motion decreased. Also, we found that compared to the extended side, inspiration motion was greater on the bent side, and that expiration motion was greater on the extended side compared to the bent side. [Conclusion] Lateral bending is a restrictive position for breathing motion, however, we conjecture that, together with breathing, it could be used to improve unilateral symptoms.
