Chest Wall Mobility: Identification of Underlying Predictors

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify factors contributing to normal mobility or hypermobility of the chest wall.

Methods: Seventy-eight young adults were divided into 2 groups: patients with normal mobility (group 1, n = 40) and hypermobility of the chest wall (group 2, n = 38). The mean mobility of the chest wall in groups 1 and 2 was 9.9 and 6.1 cm, respectively. The mean age of groups 1 and 2 was 22.2 and 21.5 years, respectively. The Brief Symptom Inventory, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, and the Perceived Stress Scale were used to evaluate the psychometric properties. Quality of life was assessed using 12-Item Short Form Health Survey. Smoking status was determined via self-report of current smoking status. Chest wall mobility was measured using thoracic and axillary cirtometry. Pulmonary functions were evaluated using a Spirobank II device. Subsequently, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second, peak expiratory flow, and forced expiratory flow 25% to 75% were verified. Carefusion Micro RPM and the 6-minute walk test were used to evaluate maximal respiratory pressures and functional capacity, respectively.

Results: With backward linear regression models, FVC and obsessive-compulsive traits were significant predictors of chest wall mobility (R² = 0.27; P < .001 and P = .01, respectively). In logistic regression models, FVC, maximum inspiratory pressure, and obsessive-compulsive traits were significant predictors of normal mobility/hypermobility of the chest wall (R² = 0.42; P < .001, P = .01, and P = .03, respectively).

Conclusion: Forced vital capacity, maximum inspiratory pressure, and obsessive-compulsive traits are significant predictors of chest wall mobility and normal mobility or hypermobility of the chest wall.

Keywords: Respiratory Function Tests; Respiratory Mechanics; Respiratory Muscles; Thoracic Wall.