What does respiratory kinematic analysis primarily estimate?

Respiratory kinematic analysis primarily estimates lung volumes based on the movements of the rib cage and abdomen during breathing. This analysis involves monitoring the physical motions of these body parts, which directly correlate with the changes in lung volume as a person inhales or exhales. By observing the postural shifts and volume displacement of the rib cage and abdomen, one can infer the amount of air contained in the lungs at any given moment.

This method is crucial for understanding how respiratory mechanics contribute to speech production, as optimal lung volume is necessary for effective speech generation. It helps researchers and clinicians assess respiratory function, which is essential in treating voice or speech disorders. The analysis focuses on the physical movements rather than the process of gas exchange, airflow efficiency, or speech rate, which are measured by different techniques and assessments.