Assessment of Reference Values of Chest Expansion Among Healthy Adults in Pune, India

Abstract

Background: Chest expansion measurements are used to evaluate the patient's baseline status, treatment effectiveness, and progression of respiratory diseases with regards to chest wall mobility and respiratory muscle function. It is important to know the reference values of chest expansion of healthy adult Indian population for precise interpretation. Aim:To determine reference values of chest expansion for healthy adult Indian population. Methodology:Total 576 healthy adults participated in this observational study which was carried out at teaching institute and community in Pune city, India. Participants were apparently healthy and non smoking individuals who are recruited by purposive sampling technique. Data was obtained by measuring chest expansion with participants in standing position, elbows slightly flexed so that the hands rested on hips. Chest was exposed and with the help of an non stretchable inch tape the chest expansion was measured at three levels that is 2 nd intercostal space(ICS), 4 th intercostal space, and zyphoid process.Statistical Analysis: Data was analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Level of significance was set at 0.05 -level.Results: 576 Participants were recruited for the study.293 were females and 283 were males. The mean age of female participants was 38.43 years (SD=16.52 years) , and the mean age of males were 39.99 years (SD= 17.13 years). Results showed that in female participants mean expansion at 2 nd ICS was 2.22 inches (SD=0.76 inches), at 4 th ICS was 2.22 inches (SD=0.73 inches) and at zyphoid process level was 2.27 inches (SD=0.78 inches) while in male participants mean expansion at 2 nd ICS was 2.76 inches (SD=0.90 inches), at 4 th ICS was 2.71 inches (SD=0.82 inches) and at zyphoid process level was 2.99 inches (SD=0.87 inches). Chest expansion in male participants' at all three levels was significantly higher than female participants. There was statistically significant difference between chest expansion at 2 nd , 4 th ICS and zyphoid process level in males but there was no such difference found in females. It was also observed that there was age-wise reduction in chest expansion in both males and females. Conclusion:It was concluded that male chest expansion was significantly higher than female participants. Study has provided the preliminary baseline for the chest expansion measurements obtained from healthy adult Indian population.

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