Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 26, 2025

Visualization of Intensity Levels to Reduce the Gap Between Self-Reported and Directly Measured Physical Activity
Published on: March 7, 2019
Association of respiratory function with physical performance, physical activity, and sedentary behavior in older
1Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Sciences at Fukuoka, International University of Health and Welfare: 137-1 Enokizu, Okawa-shi, Fukuoka 831-8501, Japan.
Abstract:
[Purpose] The associations between respiratory function, physical performance, physical activity, and sedentary behavior in older adults remain to be elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the associations of lung volume and respiratory muscle strength with physical performance, physical activity, and sedentary behavior in older adults. [Participants and Methods] In 62 ambulatory community-dwelling older adults, lung volumes (forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1s), respiratory muscle strength (maximum inspiratory and expiratory muscle pressures), physical performance (Timed Up and Go test and 30 s chair stand test), physical activity (steps and locomotive and non-locomotive physical activity), and sedentary behavior (percent sedentary time) were assessed. [Results] The percent sedentary time, 30-s chair stand test performance, and non-locomotive moderate-to-vigorous physical activity were independently associated with forced vital capacity, maximum inspiratory pressure, and maximum expiratory pressure, respectively. [Conclusion] The preliminary findings suggest that lung volumes and respiratory muscle strength may be differently affected by physical performance, physical activity, and sedentary behavior in ambulatory older adults.
Related Concept Videos
Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract I: Health History
Subjective Data
Subjective data provides vital information about the patient's health history and symptoms. This data is typically collected through interviews in which patients describe their experiences, symptoms, and concerns.
Health history and...
Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Inspection
Chest Configuration
The chest configuration...
Factors Affecting Respiration
Respiratory Capacities
One key metric is the Inspiratory Capacity (IC), which represents the maximum amount of air that can be inhaled with full effort. IC is calculated by summing the tidal volume and inspiratory reserve volume, typically ranging from 2.4 to 3.6 liters.
The Functional Residual Capacity (FRC) represents the air in the...
Pulmonary Function Tests
Pulmonary Function Tests are crucial diagnostic tools for assessing respiratory function, particularly in patients with chronic respiratory disorders. They comprehensively evaluate lung volumes, ventilatory function, breathing mechanics, diffusion, and gas exchange. These tests help diagnose pulmonary diseases and play a significant role in monitoring disease progression, evaluating disability, and assessing response to therapy.
PFTs involve using a spirometer, a...
Assessment of Ventilation II: Respiratory Depth and Rhythm
Respiratory depth measures the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during a breath. It can vary from shallow to deep and typically remains consistent when a person is at rest or asleep. Occasionally, individuals will automatically inhale deeply, known as sighing, which inflates the lungs with more air than normal breathing.
To assess respiratory depth, observe the degree of chest excursion or movement:

