In the past few years, research into the mechanics of breathing has provided results which are opening new perspectives in understanding, diagnosis, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of some of the most important respiratory diseases that affect humans. The book includes the contributions of the leading basic and clinical scientists in this field and will present new insights into the mechanics of breathing by techniques such as optoelectronic plethysmography and other new methods of imaging the respiratory system (PET and SPECT scanning, dynamic MRI), together with new findings in physiology, COPD, asthma, intensive care and neuro-muscular disorders. The book is intended for intensive care physicians, respirologists, physiologists, rehabilitation specialists, basic scientists in respiration, research and clinical fellows, biomedical engineers involved with respiratory mechanics, and respiratory therapists. They will update their knowledge and improve their clinical expertise.