Body position influences the maximum inspiratory and expiratory mouth pressures of young healthy subjects. Issue 2 (June 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Costa, Rui; Almeida, Nádia; Ribeiro, Fernando
• Is Part Of: Physiotherapy. Volume 101:Issue 2(2015)
• Page Start: 239
• Page End: 241
• Publication Date: 2015-06
• Subjects: Expiration -- Inspiration -- Respiratory muscles -- Posture; Physical therapy -- Periodicals; Therapeutics, Physiological -- Periodicals; 615.8205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.physio.2014.08.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0031-9406

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of body position on respiratory muscle strength of young healthy subjects. Participants: Sixty-three (50 female, mean age 19.7 ± 1.5 years) healthy subjects participated in the study. Design: Participants were measured in the sitting position, semi-upright sitting position, and in the supine position. The order of the three conditions was randomly determined. Outcome Measures: Maximal inspiratory and expiratory mouth pressures (PImax, PEmax) and lung function. Results: A significant effect of body position was observed on PEmax values, controlling for gender. PImax in the sitting position (92.8 ± 20.05 cm H2 O) was significantly higher than in the supine (84.1 ± 15.1 cm H2 O; mean difference: 8.70, 95% CI [5.95, 12.45], p < 0.001) and semi-upright sitting positions (84.4 ± 17.5 cm H2 O; mean difference: 8.43, 95% CI [5.78, 11.07], p < 0.001). PEmax was also significantly higher in the sitting position (125.4 ± 34.2 cm H2 O) than in the supine (115.8 ± 29.0 cm H2 O; mean difference: 9.59, 95% CI [4.86, 14.32], p < 0.001) and semi-upright sitting positions (120.2 ± 33.9 cm H2 O; mean difference: 5.21, 95% CI [0.87, 9.54], p = 0.013). Conclusions: Body position influences respiratory muscle strength of young healthy subjects. PImax and PEmax are higher in the sitting position than in the supine or semi-upright sitting positions.