title: Optoelectronic Plethysmography has Improved our Knowledge of Respiratory Physiology and Pathophysiology.
abstract: It is well known that the methods actually used to track thoraco-abdominal volume displacement have several limitations. This review evaluates the clinical usefulness of measuring chest wall kinematics by optoelectronic plethysmography [OEP]. OEP provides direct measurements (both absolute and its variations) of the volume of the chest wall and its compartments, according to the model of Ward and Macklem, without requiring calibration or subject cooperation. The system is non invasive and does not require a mouthpiece or nose-clip which may modify the pattern of breathing, making the subject aware of his breathing. Also, the precise assessment of compartmental changes in chest wall volumes, combined with pressure measurements, provides a detailed description of the action and control of the different respiratory muscle groups and assessment of chest wall dynamics in a number of physiological and clinical experimental conditions.
authors.affiliation: Don C. Gnocchi Foundation ONLUS, via Imprunetana 124, 50023 Pozzolatico, Florence, Italy. iromagnoli@dongnocchi.it.
authors.forename: Isabella
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Romagnoli
authors.affiliation: Don C. Gnocchi Foundation ONLUS, via Imprunetana 124, 50023 Pozzolatico, Florence, Italy. blanini@dongnocchi.it.
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Lanini
authors.affiliation: Don C. Gnocchi Foundation ONLUS, via Imprunetana 124, 50023 Pozzolatico, Florence, Italy. babybin@libero.it.
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Binazzi
authors.affiliation: Don C. Gnocchi Foundation ONLUS, via Imprunetana 124, 50023 Pozzolatico, Florence, Italy. coccio7@tin.it.
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bianchi
authors.affiliation: Don C. Gnocchi Foundation ONLUS, via Imprunetana 124, 50023 Pozzolatico, Florence, Italy. c.claud@libero.it.
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Coli
authors.affiliation: Don C. Gnocchi Foundation ONLUS, via Imprunetana 124, 50023 Pozzolatico, Florence, Italy. lstendardi@libero.it.
authors.forename: Loredana
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Stendardi
authors.affiliation: Don C. Gnocchi Foundation ONLUS, via Imprunetana 124, 50023 Pozzolatico, Florence, Italy. fgigliotti@dongnocchi.it.
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Gigliotti
authors.affiliation: Don C. Gnocchi Foundation ONLUS, via Imprunetana 124, 50023 Pozzolatico, Florence, Italy. gscano@unifi.it.
authors.forename: Giorgio
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Scano
keywords: Chest wall kinematics; breathing pattern; dyspnea; expiratory flow limitation; lung volumes; respiratory muscles; rib cage distortion