Reference Values of Chest Expansion among Healthy Children: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Abstract Background and Objective: Examination of the chest wall movement during breathing provides valuable insight into the function of a person’s respiratory system. Chest mobility and lung function may be altered due to growth, body composition, and respiratory disease. Preliminary baseline values for measuring chest expansion were obtained for healthy adult Indians. However, because the rib configuration of children differs from that of an adult, reference values for children need to be established. Materials and Methods: In the present study, chest expansion was measured at three levels – second rib, fourth rib, and xiphisternum (R2, R4, and xiphisternum level which was marked at the lower end of the body of the sternum) – in 720 children aged 5–12 years using a nonstretchable measuring tape. The difference between chest circumference at maximum expiration and maximum inspiration was recorded as the value of chest expansion. Out of three, one best value and not an average value was considered a chest expansion measurement at each level. Results: Three subgroups were made: 5–7 years, 8–10 years, and 11–12 years. Results were documented and presented as mean and standard deviation for each subgroup. The reference values for chest expansion among healthy children in the age group of 5–12 years are 2.5 cm–3.2 cm at the R2 level, 3.1 cm–3.7 cm at the R4 level, and 3.8 cm–4.1 cm at the xiphisternum level. Conclusions: The chest expansion for different age groups among healthy children was different.