Effect of Upright and Slouched Postures on the Diaphragm Strength and Chest Expansion in Obese Young Adults – An Observational Study

Abstract

Context: Obese individuals are at high risk of adopting slouched posture because of their excessive body fat distribution. Moreover, excess body fat limits the action of the respiratory muscles and restricts diaphragm mobility and rib movement. Aims: The aim of this study was to study the influence of upright versus slouched posture on respiratory muscle strength and chest expansion in obese young adults. Settings and Design: The participants included in the study were young adults of all genders between the age group of 18 and 25 years with a body mass index above 27.5. Methods and Materials: It is an observational study. Thirty participants were recruited from health-care institutions. Screening was done according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Diaphragm strength and chest expansion were assessed in upright sitting and slouched sitting postures. Statistical analysis used: SPSS statistical package version 23 was used to analyze the data. Normality of the baseline data was checked using Student's t-test. To summarize the data, descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) were employed. To discover variations in maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) scores and chest expansion between slouched and upright sitting positions, a paired t-test analysis was performed. Results: The participants showed a lower MIP score in slouched sitting as compared to an upright sitting posture. The mean difference in the MIP scores was 20.99 mmHg (P = 0.04). Chest expansion measurements also showed a significant difference between the two sitting postures. Conclusions: The lower maximal inspiratory pressure and chest expansion measures observed in this study indicate that in obese individuals, slouched sitting posture can adversely affect the diaphragm strength and the chest wall mechanics during breathing.