Chest Wall Volume Changes of Healthy Males during Ergometer Exercise

Abstract

[Purpose] We measured the chest wall volume changes of healthy males during ergometer exercise using a 3D motion analysis system, and investigated their characteristics. [Subjects] The subjects were 6 healthy males. [Methods] Under a ramp load protocol, the subjects performed bicycle ergometer exercise until reaching their symptomatic limits, while their chest wall volume was measured using a 3D motion analysis system. [Results] Compared to at rest, at exercise load intensities above 20%, significant increases in upper and lower chest volumes at inspiratory end, and a significant decrease in abdominal volume at expiratory end were found. [Conclusion] The results suggest that with increasing exercise load intensity, the chest wall volume is changed by raising the ribs further at inspiratory end, and by further reducing the abdominal part at expiratory end to realize a greater tidal volume.