Total Lung Capacity in Neanderthals Compared with Anatomically Modern Humans: A Scoping Review Protocol
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: This project is a scoping review and evidence map designed to identify, characterize, and synthesize the available scientific evidence regarding total lung capacity (TLC) and related respiratory-capacity inferences in Neanderthals (Homo neanderthalensis) compared with anatomically modern humans (AMH, Homo sapiens). Direct measurement of TLC is impossible in extinct hominins because soft tissues, respiratory mechanics, and pulmonary function cannot be preserved in the fossil record. Consequently, current knowledge relies on indirect evidence derived from thoracic morphology, rib and vertebral anatomy, sternal structure, diaphragmatic reconstructions, virtual three-dimensional models, and comparative analyses with living human populations. The literature is heterogeneous and includes direct TLC estimates, thoracic-volume reconstructions, morphometric studies, biomechanical interpretations, respiratory physiology models, and broader evolutionary hypotheses concerning energetics, climate adaptation, and body form. The primary objective of this review is to map the full range of evidence that has been used to infer respiratory capacity in Neanderthals and to evaluate how these inferences compare with those proposed for anatomically modern humans. A secondary objective is to distinguish evidence that directly estimates TLC from studies that rely on anatomical or physiological surrogates, thereby clarifying the strength and limitations of current interpretations. The review follows the methodological framework for scoping reviews described by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and will be reported according to the PRISMA-ScR reporting guidelines. The review question is structured using the Population–Concept–Context (PCC) framework. The Population comprises Neanderthals and relevant comparative Homo sapiens samples; the Concept includes TLC and the skeletal, thoracic, diaphragmatic, and respiratory variables used to infer it; and the Context encompasses paleoanthropology, human evolution, biological anthropology, comparative anatomy, and respiratory physiology. Literature searches will be conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, CINAHL/EBSCOhost, and Dialnet, supplemented by backward and forward citation tracking. Eligible sources will include fossil descriptions, virtual reconstructions, geometric morphometric studies, comparative anatomical investigations, respiratory physiology standards, methodological studies, and other publications containing extractable data relevant to Neanderthal respiratory capacity. Data extraction will document fossil specimens, comparator samples, anatomical regions analyzed, respiratory variables measured or modeled, methodological approaches, interpretations proposed by authors, and limitations affecting inference. Because the purpose of the review is evidence mapping rather than effect-size estimation, no formal quantitative meta-analysis is planned. Expected outcomes include: (1) a comprehensive map of the evidence relating to Neanderthal TLC and respiratory capacity; (2) identification of the principal anatomical and methodological pathways used to infer respiratory function in extinct hominins; (3) clarification of which conclusions are strongly supported, model-dependent, or speculative; (4) identification of major knowledge gaps and methodological uncertainties; and (5) recommendations for future research in paleoanthropology, respiratory physiology, and human evolutionary biology.
Source: OSF Preprints (OSF Preprints)
Author: Juan A. Sanchis-Gimeno
Language: English
Subfield: Anthropology
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7204219891