The Impact of Chest Binding on Pulmonary Functions of Trans and Gender Diverse Youth

Abstract

PurposeThere is a scarcity of information regarding the health consequences of chest binding and its effects on pulmonary functions (PFs). This study aimed to evaluate binding practices, physical outcomes, and effects on PFs of trans or gender diverse (TGD) youth who bind. MethodsThe TGD and control groups underwent pulmonary function tests (PFTs), with the TGD group undergoing testing both with their binder and after removal. We additionally evaluated binding practices and its physical outcomes. Results33 TGD participants with a mean age of 20.15 ± 2.76 and 31 controls with a mean age of 20.74 ± 2.95 years were included. A large majority reported physical side effects, back pain being the most common. The comparison of PFTs of the TGD group with and without binder showed that vital capacity , forced vital capacity, and forced expiratory volume in 1 second values were significantly lower in the presence of a binder (both % predicted and L) (p < .005). Binding duration (both lifetime and weekly) did not correlate with PFTs, however, the ratio of change in forced expiratory volume -1/ forced vital capacity induced by binding correlated with weekly binding duration. When we separately compared the PFTs of the TGD group with and without binder to the control group, we found no significant difference. DiscussionDespite the abundance of physical side effects, comparison with the control group does not support long-lasting effects of binding on PF; however, it indicates acute restrictive impairment without a significant effect on airflow obstruction in youth who bind. These findings hold significance in facilitating well-informed decision-making processes pertaining to binding practices.