Prediction of Lung Vital Capacity Value from Thoracoabdominal Expansion in Young Adults

Authors

Aung Myo Htun, School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Aung Aung Nwe, School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Chatchaya Jaimanee, School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Thiwaphon Chatprem, School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Saowanee Nakmaroeng, School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Chatchai Phimphasak, Innovation to Improve Cardiopulmonary and Physical Performance Research Group (IICP), Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, ThailandFollow

Abstract

Background: Vital capacity (VC) is a fundamental indicator of pulmonary health, but its routine assessment often depends on spirometry devices that may be unavailable (i.e. because of access, cost) in many clinical or community settings. In contrast, lower costal (LC) and upper abdominal (AB) expansions are simple, equipment-free methods commonly used in physiotherapy.

Method: This cross-sectional study was aimed at developing prediction equations for VC using LC or upper AB expansion alongside demographic and anthropometric variables. The study involved 116 healthy nonsmokers (53 male and 63 female individuals) aged 18–39 years. VC was measured via spirometry using a forced vital capacity manoeuvre, while LC and upper AB expansions were measured using a nonstretchable tape.

Results: VC was moderately correlated with LC (r = 0.570) and upper AB (r = 0.581), highly correlated with height (r = 0.871), and moderately correlated with body weight (r = 0.690). Lower correlations were found with waist circumference (r = 0.446) and age (r = –0.268). The resulting equations were VC = -4.713 + 0.047 × height - 0.666 × gender + 0.146 × LC and VC = -5.060 + 0.051 × height - 0.606 × gender + 0.094 × upper AB, with gender = 0 for male and 1 for female.

Conclusion: These equations offer accessible alternatives for estimating VC and may be useful in settings where spirometry is not feasible.

Keywords: Vital capacity; Predict vital capacity; Thoracoabdominal expansion; Lower costal expansion; Upper abdominal expansion

Recommended Citation

Htun A, Nwe A, Jaimanee C, Chatprem T, Nakmaroeng S, Phimphasak C. Prediction of Lung Vital Capacity Value from Thoracoabdominal Expansion in Young Adults. J Health Res. 2025; 39(6):-. DOI: https://doi.org/10.56808/2586-940X.1168

References

[1] discussion -8 Ruppel GL. What is the clinical value of lung volumes?. Respir Care 2012;57(1):26—35. https://doi.org/10.4187/respcare.01374.

[2] Bott J, Blumenthal S, Buxton M, Ellum S, Falconer C, Garrod R, et al. Guidelines for the physiotherapy management of the adult, medical, spontaneously breathing patient. Thorax 2009;64(Suppl 1):i1—51. https://doi.org/10.1136/thx.2008.110726.

[3] Dias CM, Vieira Rde O, Oliveira JF, Lopes AJ, Menezes SL, Guimaraes FS. Three physiotherapy protocols: effects on pulmonary volumes after cardiac surgery. J Bras Pneumol 2011;37(1):54—60. https://doi.org/10.1590/s1806-37132011000100009.

[4] Fan J, Chang Y, Cheng S, Liang B, Qu D. Effect of breathing exercises on patients with interstitial lung disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Qual Life Res 2024;33(9): 2335—47. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-024-03679-z.

[5] Santek N, Kirac I. Effect of physiotherapy on vital capacity before major abdominal surgery in cancer patients: a systematic review. Libri Oncol Croatian J Oncol 2021;49(1): 39—46. https://doi.org/10.20471/lo.2021.49.01.05.

[6] Lutfi MF. The physiological basis and clinical significance of lung volume measurements. Multidiscip Respir Med 2017; 12:3. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40248-017-0084-5.

[7] Debouche S, Pitance L, Robert A, Liistro G, Reychler G. Reliability and reproducibility of chest wall expansion measurement in young healthy adults. J Manip Physiol Ther 2016;39(6):443—9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmpt.2016.05.004.

[8] de Cordoba Lanza F, de Camargo AA, Archija LR, Selman JP, Malaguti C, Dal Corso S. Chest wall mobility is related to respiratory muscle strength and lung volumes in healthy subjects. Respir Care 2013;58(12):2107—12. https://doi.org/10.4187/respcare.02415.

[9] Reddy RS, Alahmari KA, Silvian PS, Ahmad IA, Kakarparthi VN, Rengaramanujam K. Reliability of chest wall mobility and its correlation with lung functions in healthy nonsmokers, healthy smokers, and patients with COPD. Cancer Res J 2019;2019:5175949. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/5175949.

[10] Konno K, Mead J. Measurement of the separate volume changes of rib cage and abdomen during breathing. J Appl Physiol 1967; 22(3):407—22. https://doi.org/10.1152/jappl.1967.22.3.407.

[11] Massaroni C, Carraro E, Vianello A, Miccinilli S, Morrone M, Levai IK, et al. Optoelectronic plethysmography in clinical practice and research: a review. Respiration 2017;93(5):339—54. https://doi.org/10.1159/000462916.

[12] VanVoorhis CW, Morgan BL. Statistical rules of thumb: What we don't want to forget about sample sizes. Psi Chi J Psychol Res 2001:139—41. https://doi.org/10.24839/1089-4136.Jn6.4.139.

[13] Shin B, Cole SL, Park SJ, Ledford DK, Lockey RF. A new symptom-based questionnaire for predicting the presence of asthma. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol 2010;20(1):27—34.

[14] Dejsomritrutai W, Nana A, Maranetra KN, Chuaychoo B, Maneechotesuwan K, Wongsurakiat P, et al. Reference spirometric values for healthy lifetime nonsmokers in Thailand. J Med Assoc Thail 2000;83(5):457—66.

[15] Graham BL, Steenbruggen I, Miller MR, Barjaktarevic IZ, Cooper BG, Hall GL, et al. Standardization of Spirometry 2019 Update. An Official American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society Technical Statement. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2019;200(8):e70—88. https://doi.org/10.1164/rccm.201908-1590ST.

[16] Gonzalez-Alvarez FJ, Valenza MC, Torres-Sanchez I, Cabrera-Martos I, Rodriguez-Torres J, Castellote-Caballero Y. Effects of diaphragm stretching on posterior chain muscle kinematics and rib cage and abdominal excursion: a randomized controlled trial. Braz J Phys Ther 2016;20(5):405—11. https://doi.org/10.1590/bjpt-rbf.2014.0169.

[17] Cahalin LP, Braga M, Matsuo Y, Hernandez ED. Efficacy of diaphragmatic breathing in persons with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a review of the literature. J Cardiopulm Rehabil 2002;22(1):7—21. https://doi.org/10.1097/00008483-200201000-00002.

[18] Hung M, Bounsanga J, Voss MW. Interpretation of correlations in clinical research. Postgrad Med J 2017;129(8): 902—6. https://doi.org/10.1080/00325481.2017.1383820.

[19] Manmmadhan T, Chimkode S, Banner R. Gender differences in peak expiratory flow rate and timed vital capacity by computerized spirometry in medical students. Natl J Physiol Pharm Pharmacol 2022;12(9):1331—4. https://doi.org/10.5455/njppp.2022.12.0101010012022.

[20] Ren WY, Li L, Zhao RY, Zhu L. Age-associated changes in pulmonary function: a comparison of pulmonary function parameters in healthy young adults and the elderly living in Shanghai. Chin Med J (Engl). 2012;125(17):3064—8.

[21] Cid-Juarez S, Thirion-Romero I, Torre-Bouscoulet L, Gochicoa-Rangel L, Martinez-Briseno D, Hernandez- Paniagua IY, et al. Inspiratory Capacity and Vital Capacity of Healthy Subjects 9-81 Years of Age at Moderate-High Altitude. Respir Care 2019;64(2):153—60. https://doi.org/10. 4187/respcare.06284.

[22] Soundariya K, Neelambikai N. Influence of anthropometric indices on pulmonary function tests in young individuals. World J Med Sci 2013;9(3):157—61. https://doi.org/10.5829/idosi.wjms.2013.9.3.8134.

[23] Zakaria R, Harif N, Al-Rahbi B, Aziz CBA, Ahmad AH. Gender differences and obesity influence on pulmonary function parameters. Oman Med J 2019;34(1):44—8. https://doi.org/10.5001/omj.2019.07.

[24] Costa D, Cancelliero KM, Ike D, Laranjeira TL, Pantoni CB, Borghi-Silva A. Strategy for respiratory exercise pattern associated with upper limb movements in COPD patients. Clinics 2011;66(2):299—305. https://doi.org/10.1590/s1807-59322011000200020.

[25] Pagare RS, Pedhambkar RB. Assessment of reference values of chest expansion among healthy adults in Pune, India. Int J Physiother Res 2017;5(1):1819—23. https://doi.org/10.16965/ijpr.2016.197.

[26] Lowery EM, Brubaker AL, Kuhlmann E, Kovacs EJ. The aging lung. Clin Interv Aging 2013;8:1489—96. https://doi.org/10.2147/CIA.S51152.

[27] Skloot GS. The Effects of Aging on lung structure and function. Clin Geriatr Med 2017;33(4):447—57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cger.2017.06.001.

[28] Parreira VF, Bueno CJ, França DC, Vieira DS, Pereira DR, Britto RR. Breathing pattern and thoracoabdominal motion in healthy individuals: influence of age and sex. Rev Brasileira Fisioterapia 2010;14(5):411—6.

[29] Ueyama M, Hashimoto S, Takeda A, Maruguchi N, Yamamoto R, Matsumura K, et al. Prediction of forced vital capacity with dynamic chest radiography in interstitial lung disease. Eur J Radiol 2021;142:109866. https://doi.org/10. 1016/j.ejrad.2021.109866.

[30] Park CH, Haam SJ, Lee S, Han KH, Kim TH. Prediction of anatomical lung volume using planimetric measurements on chest radiographs. Acta Radiol 2016;57(9):1066—71. https://doi.org/10.1177/0284185115618548.