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Rib cage shape and motion in microgravity.

M Estenne1, M Gorini, A Van Muylem

  • 1Respiratory Research Unit, Erasme University Hospital, Brussels School of Medicine, Belgium.

Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|September 1, 1992
PubMed
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Microgravity alters rib cage shape and breathing mechanics. During weightlessness, the rib cage becomes more circular, and breathing movements are reduced, with altered muscle activity.

Area of Science:

  • Human physiology
  • Respiratory mechanics
  • Space medicine

Background:

  • Understanding respiratory system adaptations to microgravity is crucial for astronaut health.
  • Previous studies have shown changes in respiratory parameters during spaceflight.
  • The specific effects on rib cage dimensions and muscle activity require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of microgravity (0 Gz) on rib cage dimensions and respiratory muscle activity.
  • To analyze changes in anteroposterior and transverse diameters of the rib cage, xiphipubic distance, and electromyographic (EMG) activity of scalene and parasternal intercostal muscles.
  • To assess the effect of microgravity on breathing mechanics during quiet breathing.

Main Methods:

  • Five healthy subjects were studied in a seated posture during brief periods of weightlessness (0 Gz).

Related Experiment Videos

  • Measurements included anteroposterior diameters of the upper (URC-AP) and lower (LRC-AP) rib cage, transverse diameter of the lower rib cage (LRC-TR), and xiphipubic distance.
  • Electromyographic (EMG) activity of scalene and parasternal intercostal muscles, and gastric pressure were recorded.

    • Main Results:

    • At 0 Gz, end-expiratory lower rib cage anteroposterior diameter (LRC-AP) and xiphipubic distance increased, while the lower rib cage transverse diameter (LRC-TR) decreased.
    • Tidal changes in LRC-TR and xiphipubic distance were inconsistent, but tidal displacements of URC-AP and LRC-AP were reduced.
    • Scalene and parasternal muscles showed decreased phasic inspiratory EMG activity but increased tonic activity.

    Conclusions:

    • Microgravity causes the rib cage to adopt a more cranial and circular shape at end expiration.
    • Tidal expansion of the ventral rib cage is diminished in microgravity.
    • Respiratory muscles like scalenes and parasternal intercostals exhibit reduced phasic activity and increased tonic activity during weightlessness.