Normative Value of Chest Expansion in Healthy Children Between 5 to 12 Years of Age Group

Abstract

Background: Chest expansion measurement is included as a standard mode of measurement to evaluate patient’s baseline status of respiratory function. There are various anatomical and physiological differences between adult and paediatric respiratory system hence, adult values of chest expansion cannot be used as reference values in paediatric population. Also, there is lack of recent data that has evaluated chest expansion values in paediatric age group. So, the present study was undertaken to find out normal chest expansion values in children between 5-12 years of age. It is important to know the reference value for precise interpretation. Methodology: A cross sectional observational study was carried out in 600 children between age group of 5-12 years and with normal BMI(without H/O any cardiac/respiratory illness, musculoskeletal or neurological diseases, spinal deviations, cough and cold). Chest expansion measurements were assessed in sitting position at three levels that is, 2nd, 4th and 6th intercostal spaces(ICS), using an non- elastic measuring tape. It was taken as thoracic circumference at the end of maximum exhalation and inspiration. An average of three such readings at each level was taken into consideration. Results: To find value of chest expansion at 2nd, 4th and 6th ICS levels a average values of the three measurements taken at each level at same time was taken into consideration. Conclusion: The normative values of chest expansion in healthy children between age group of 5-12 years is 2nd Intercostal space- 1 inch/ 2.5 cm, 4th Intercostal space- 1 inch/2.5 cm, 6th Intercostal space- 1.7 inch/ 4.25cm. KEY WORDS: Chest Expansion, Normative Values, Children, Paediatric.