See also: chest circumference and physical constitution
Chest circumference can be measured in normal, maximum inspiration or maximum expiration conditions. The first data is very useful for evaluating the body growth of children and, in adulthood, for obtaining an estimate of the ideal weight:
Bernhardt formula = (body height x chest circumference) / 240)
The main limitation of Bernhardt's formula lies in the lack of consideration of age, sex and the degree of individual physical activity.
The chest circumference measured at maximum inspiration and maximum expiration provides an estimate of its elasticity. In adults, the difference between the two values varies from 3.5 to 6 centimeters. This ratio is reduced in the presence of ankylosing spondylitis and other dysfunctions of the spine or ribs.
Bodybuilders usually monitor the trend of their chest circumference over time, in order to evaluate the repercussions of specific workouts and dietary strategies on the hypertrophy of the pectoral muscles.
How is it measured?
The chest circumference is measured with the patient standing, with the arms relaxing at the sides of the body; the palms of the hands are turned towards the thighs. The metric cord, flexible but inelastic, is positioned just below the nipples in the man and immediately below the breasts in the woman.
