Evaluation of EMG Activity of Superficial Respiratory Muscles and Vital Capacity Parameters During Different Pelvic Tilts in Standing, Sitting and Lying Postures

Abstract

Background: Postures such as kyphosis and lordosis of the spine affect the vital capacity parameters. These spinal alignment alterations may enhance the efficacy of the respiratory muscle contraction and the volume of air available in the lung. Aim: To examine the effects of different pelvic tilt positions in varying postures on the vital capacity parameters and respiratory muscles. Setting and Design: This was a cross-sectional one-way repeated measures design. The study was conducted at MYAS-GNDU Department of Sports Sciences and Medicine, GNDU, Amritsar. Subjects and Methods: Twenty healthy male individuals aged between 18 and 24 years participated in the study. Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1/FVC, and peak expiratory flow (PEF) were measured using Spiro Excel when performing anterior, posterior, and neutral pelvic tilts in standing, sitting, and lying postures, and their superficial respiratory muscle activity was measured with surface electromyography. Statistical Analysis: Repeated measures analysis of variance was applied and Bonferroni correction was used for post hoc analysis. Results: There was a significant difference in FVC and FEV1 during standing, sitting, and lying postures in all pelvic tilts, with the highest in sitting. Whereas, FEV1/FVC showed a significant difference when performing anterior and posterior tilts in standing, sitting, and lying, with the highest in standing. Increase in PEF was only seen in posterior pelvic tilt in sitting. External oblique muscle showed a significant activity in standing, lying, and sitting with varying pelvic tilts. Conclusion: The sitting posture could be more effective for pulmonary rehabilitation due to increased vital capacity, followed by standing and lying.