Evaluation of the functional capacity, respiratory functions and musculoskeletal systems of the children with chest pain for non-cardiac reasons

Abstract

Chronic chest pain in healthy children and adolescents generally arises from non-cardiac factors. The purpose of our study was to compare the evaluation results of effort test, respiratory function and musculoskeletal system in children and adolescents with chest pain for non-cardiac reasons with healthy children and adolescents. Physical activity level was determined by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The respiratory function test was performed using a spirometer. The posture analysis was performed to determine the upper body deformities. The effort test was performed on a treadmill. The two groups were similar in terms of the physical activity levels, respiratory function and effort test results (p>0.05). The rate of the rounded shoulder, kyphosis was significantly higher in the patient group with chest pain (p<0.005). Consequently, the musculoskeletal system findings including the pectoralis minor shortness, rounded shoulder, and thoracic kyphosis could have a role in non-cardiac chest pain.