Evaluation of Thorax Diameter Changes through Trunk Morphology and Different Running Intensities

During breathing, the human thorax is expanded or contracted during inspiration and expiration. The morphology of the thorax seems to be determinant for endurance efforts. This study aims to analyse the variation of the thorax cross-sections during running exercises at different intensities and the...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Garrido López, Gonzalo, Rueda, Javier, Navarro, Enrique, San Juan, Alejandro F., Bastir, Markus
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2024
País:España
Institución:Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)
Repositorio:DIGITAL.CSIC. Repositorio Institucional del CSIC
OAI Identifier:oai:dnet:digitalcsic_::d2e2de28bceac255248efa97e89fc440
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/10261/367050
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Biomechanics
Motion capture system
Ribcage
Thoracic index
Descripción
Sumario:During breathing, the human thorax is expanded or contracted during inspiration and expiration. The morphology of the thorax seems to be determinant for endurance efforts. This study aims to analyse the variation of the thorax cross-sections during running exercises at different intensities and the influence of thorax morphology. Twenty-two athletes were captured using a motion capture system (13 reflective markers) while they performed an incremental running test. Three captures of each subject were performed at different intensities (45%, 70%, and 85% of HRR (heart rate reserve)) and three morphology groups were made by splitting their thoracic index. The results showed a significant increase in the anteroposterior and mediolateral cross-sections when the intensity of the exercise is also increased. No differences were found in the cross-sections due to the morphology of the thorax. However, subjects with a deeper thorax showed a different behaviour as they increased their anteroposterior cross-section during higher intensities, while flatter thorax subjects did not perform in the same way. This could be explained as compensation for the morphological disadvantage that a deeper ribcage shape suffers when developing endurance efforts. More investigations regarding thorax kinematics are needed for a better understanding of breathing disorders and physical activities.