Acute effects of chest binding on respiratory mechanics and cervicothoracic kinematics in healthy females: a randomized crossover study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v81.119126Keywords:
Chest binding, Pulmonary function, Chest expansion, Cervical kinematics, Thoracic kyphosisAbstract
Introduction: Chest binding is widely used for gender affirmation, yet its acute biomechanical impacts remain unclear.
Objective: This study aims to investigate the immediate effects of a commercial chest binder on respiratory mechanics and cervicothoracic kinematics.
Methodology: Thirty-two healthy females completed a randomized crossover study comparing a control condition (no bra) to a chest binder. Outcome measures included pulmonary function (spirometry), regional chest expansion, thoracic kyphosis, and cervical range of motion (CROM).
Results: Chest binding significantly reduced FEV1 (p < 0.001) and the FEV1/FVC ratio (p = 0.038). Chest expansion was severely restricted at the middle (-3.87 cm, p < 0.001) and lower lobes (-2.35 cm, p < 0.001). Additionally, the anterior compression significantly increased thoracic kyphosis from 34.52 degrees to 36.54 degrees (p = 0.032), which subsequently reduced CROM across all six anatomical planes (all p < 0.05).
Conclusion: The acute application of a chest binder significantly limits regional chest wall excursion and dynamic pulmonary function. Concurrently, it induces a hyper-kyphotic posture that restricts cervical mobility, highlighting the need for safe binding guidelines and targeted postural rehabilitation.
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