Rib Cage Expansion Asymmetry (Breathing Under Load)
Setup
Client in hook-lying position. Examiner's hands placed on the lateral rib cage bilaterally. Alternatively, a tape measure can be used around the rib cage at the nipple line.
Cueing
Step 1: Instruct the client to take a maximal inhale through the nose. Step 2: Feel for lateral expansion asymmetry -- which side expands more. Step 3: Have the client exhale fully and pause. Step 4: Repeat 5 times and note consistency. Step 5: If using a tape measure, record circumference at end inhale and end exhale on each side (two measurements needed for this, measure right and left half separately using the sternum and spine as landmarks).
Measurement
Pattern select: symmetrical / left-dominant-expansion / right-dominant-expansion / restricted-bilateral. The side with greater expansion is typically the side AWAY from body lateralization. Correlate with anterior rib angle and lower cage expansion findings.
Modality
FAQ
What muscles does Rib Cage Expansion Asymmetry (Breathing Under Load) work?
Rib Cage Expansion Asymmetry (Breathing Under Load) primarily targets the T Spine. It is classified as a professional-level assessment test.
How do you perform Rib Cage Expansion Asymmetry (Breathing Under Load) correctly?
Client in hook-lying position. Examiner's hands placed on the lateral rib cage bilaterally. Alternatively, a tape measure can be used around the rib cage at the nipple line. Step 1: Instruct the client to take a maximal inhale through the nose. Step 2: Feel for lateral expansion asymmetry -- which side expands more. Step 3: Have the client exhale fully and pause. Step 4: Repeat 5 times and note consistency. Step 5: If using a tape measure, record circumference at end inhale and end exhale on each side (two measurements needed for this, measure right and left half separately using the sternum and spine as landmarks).
What equipment is needed for Rib Cage Expansion Asymmetry (Breathing Under Load)?
Rib Cage Expansion Asymmetry (Breathing Under Load) requires Assessment Kit. It is categorized as a Asymmetry Assessment assessment test.
Related Exercises
Anterior Rib Angle (ARA) Assessment
Apical Rib Angle
Infrasternal Angle (ISA)
Lower Chest Expansion
Sidelying Rib Cage Expansion Assessment
Thoracic Extension ROM
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