THE INFLUENCE OF POSTURE ON MECHANICS OF RESPIRATION AND VITAL CAPACITY

Abstract

Using a Benedict-Roth basal metabolism apparatus, the vital capacity was detd. on 19 normal healthy subjects of both sexes, whose age ranged from 20 to 62 yrs. The detns. were made after resting comfortably for 3 mins. in the respective positions. If the vital capacity in the supine position was taken as 100%, the avg. vital capacity found with various positions was as follows: 35[degree] Trendelenburg 95.8%; 35[degree] re-verse Trendelenburg 107.4%; prone, abdominal brake up, without chest support 72.9%; prone abdominal brake up with chest support 82.9%; prone, table flat without chest support 88.6%; upright with elevation of lower extremities 101.3%. Individual vital capacities varied greatly in similar postures.