The Effect of Body Position on Pulmonary Function, Chest Wall Motion, and Discomfort in Young Healthy Participants

Abstract

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of different recumbent positions on pulmonary function, chest wall motion, and feelings of discomfort in young nonobese healthy volunteers. MethodsTwenty healthy volunteers (age, 28.0±1.4years; height, 167.5±10.1cm; weight, 62.3±10.2kg) were studied in the sitting position and in the following 6 recumbent positions: supine, left retroversion at a 45° tilt, left anteversion at a 45° tilt, right retroversion at a 45° tilt, right anteversion at a 45° tilt, and prone. After 5minutes of a selected position, pulmonary functions, including vital capacity (VC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second, maximal inspiratory and expiratory mouth pressures (MIP and MEP, respectively), and breathing pattern components at the chest wall were assessed. Discomfort was assessed using a modified Borg scale. ResultsWhen participants changed position from sitting to each of the 6 recumbent positions, forced expiratory volume in 1 second values decreased significantly (P < .05). None of the participants showed changes in the MIP or MEP in any of the 6 recumbent positions. Rib cage motion was restricted in all recumbent positions except supine, left anteversion at a 45° tilt, and prone. In all 6 recumbent positions, discomfort was experienced during the pulmonary tests. However, in the left retroversion at a 45° tilt position, no discomfort was experienced during the MIP and MEP assessments. ConclusionIn young, nonobese, healthy volunteers, recumbent positions caused diminished pulmonary functions and induced feelings of discomfort.