What percentage of body expenditure at rest is attributed to respiratory muscles?

At rest, the respiratory muscles account for approximately 4% of the total energy expenditure of the body. This percentage reflects the energy required for the maintenance of normal respiratory function, including the contraction and relaxation of the diaphragm and other muscles involved in breathing.

The body's energy expenditure while at rest includes several components such as the basal metabolic rate (BMR), thermogenesis associated with food digestion, and the energy used by muscles responsible for breathing. Among these, the respiratory muscles play a crucial role even though their energy requirement might seem relatively small when compared to the overall energy expenditure. Understanding this percentage is important for exercise physiologists as it highlights the significance of respiratory function and can influence exercise programming and rehabilitation strategies aimed at improving respiratory efficiency.