Influence of Chest Strapping on Thoracic Movement during Exercise

Abstract

The present study examined the effect of chest strapping on respiratory response and thoracic movement during the static condition or exercise. A 34-year-old healthy male wore a chest strap, which induced 0, 10 and 20 mmHg of elastic pressure, and performed bicycle ergometer at various exercise intensities. Respiratory response was measured by the expired gas analyzer, and thoracic movement was examined by measuring the longitudinal distance in upper thorax and horizontal distance in lower thorax by the magnetic motion analysis system. Results obtained were: 1) With an increase in pressure, VC, FEV1.0 and TV were decreased, but RR were increased. This resulted in an increase in VE. 2) Longitudinal distance became longer under the pressure of 20 and 10 mmHg at 125 W, and horizontal distance under the pressure of 20 mmHg at 125 and 100 W. 3) No correlation was observed in thoracic movement and energy expenditure, which suggests that elastic contraction of a manchette may support the thoracic movement.