Secondly, as during this study patients with lung cancer were scanned (scanning field: thorax), respiratory motion might have led to imaging artefacts (this might have affected further analysis and the results) or reduced spatial resolution.
Recent studies have shown the possibility to monitor mobility-related activities based on a thorax-worn motion sensor [ 10] or motion sensors on the lower trunk [ 11].
Measurements were obtained on right side of the thorax in millimeters; diaphragmatic motion (DM) and diaphragmatic motion at maximal inspiration (DM forced) were measured in M-Mode with a 3.5 MHz array convex probe placed on the midclavicular line using the liver acoustic window.
Motions of the thorax, arm, and shoulder were recorded by standardized electromagnetic 3D motion tracking.
The complete type is referred to as a condition in which the immobility of the back leads to complete failure of ventilation, whereas the incomplete type is referred to as a condition in which the motion of the thorax is accompanied by inspiratory stridor and limited motion of the back.
As a model of shoulder function, it includes the relative motion of the thorax, scapula, clavicle and humerus.
We have designed a system that manipulates the entire cadaveric torso while considering the relative motion of the thorax, scapula, clavicle and humerus in an automated and real-time setting, in order to assess the biomechanics of shoulder motion.
Range of Motion (RoM) and 3D motions of forearm, humerus and scapula with respect to the thorax will be recorded by means of an electromagnetic tracking system: 'Flock of Birds' (FoB, Ascension Technology Corp, Burlington, VT, USA) and custom made computer software (FOBVis, Clinical Graphics, Delft, the Netherlands).
Moreover, tumours located in the thorax could be affected by respiratory motion.
Pregnancy can be a potent contributor to ventilation difficulty because of edema of the upper airway tract, and motion limitation of the thorax and diaphragm may occur unexpectedly [ 9– 11].
