Vibration applied to the chest wall can activate the tonic vibration reflex (TVR), potentially increasing respiratory muscle activity and ventilation. While single-site intercostal stimulation has shown such effects, it is unclear whether multi-site stimulation provides greater benefits.
Objective
To investigate whether synchronised multi-site intercostal vibration enhances ventilation through increased rib cage expansion in healthy adults.
Methods
Thirty healthy adults underwent chest wall vibration under three randomised conditions: 4-point stimulation, 8-point stimulation, and sham control. Vibration was synchronised with resting breathing. Tidal volume (Vt), minute ventilation (Ve), and thoracoabdominal displacement were measured. A linear mixed-effects model was used to compare outcomes across conditions.
Results
The 8-point stimulation significantly increased Vt and Ve compared to the 4-point and control conditions (p < 0.01). Rib cage displacement also increased, while abdominal motion remained unchanged. These findings suggest that enhanced ventilation was primarily due to rib cage expansion.
Conclusion
Synchronized multi-site intercostal vibration improves ventilation by increasing rib cage expansion in healthy adults and may offer a novel non-invasive respiratory facilitation strategy.
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