Evaluation of Chest Wall Motions by Optoelectronic Plethysmography in Scoliosis Patient: A Case Study

Abstract

Objectives: This study investigates the chest wall motions and estimates respiratory volumes in a patient with scoliosis compared to a healthy person using the optoelectronic plethysmography method in a sitting position. Methods: In this research, a scoliosis patient and a healthy individual comprised two subjects. Each person’s upper, middle, and lower chest movement in a seated position was measured using optoelectronic plethysmography. Results: The changes in respiratory volumes of the middle and lower parts of the chest in patients with scoliosis are more than those of a healthy person during quiet breathing. Moreover, the changes in the upper, middle, and lower parts of the chest in the healthy person are also more than those of the subject with scoliosis during deep breathing. Discussion: Optoelectronic plethysmography is a noninvasive method to evaluate chest wall movements, respiratory system function, and volumes with fewer limitations than other methods of evaluating respiratory function.

Keywords

• scoliosis
• chest wall motion
• respiratory volume
• optoelectronic plethysmography