Thoracic deformities: can the exercises be efficient in the conservative treatment?

Abstract

Respiration is a complex process that involves both mechanical and biochemical steps with repercussions on the whole body. The diaphragm is the major muscle of breathing, with important roles in the biomechanics of the rib cage and posture organization. However, a subject who has any static or dynamic morphofunctional disarrangement could change your respiratory function, the same way, that the opposite may be true. The spine mobility, specially thoracic region, is allowed not only the vertebrae, but also for their connection with the rib cage, which presents itself as a flexible structure that allows us scale breathes. These thorax properties – shape and elasticity- are needed for its function and makes this is easily deformable, reason why the frequency of thoracic changes are so high, especially in children. The treatment options for thoracic deformities were for the last few years limited by thoracic surgery, but currently it’s only an indication planned for the most serious cases, since good results have been obtained with the conservative techniques. Exercises are used like that and the objective of this review is to present the benefits of physical activity as an alternative for conservative treatment for subjects with thoracic deformities and respiratory changes.