The Effect of Chair Backrest on Respiratory Function in Prolonged Sitting Position

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a chair backrest on respiratory function after prolonged sitting. Methods: Twenty-four young healthy subjects (12 males and 12 females) volunteered to participate in this study, and were equally allocated to a backrest (n= 12) or a without backrest group (n= 12). A spirometer was used to measure the respiratory functions of all subjects. Results:The chair with backrest group were significant difference in forced vital capacity (FVC), Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), and peak expiratory flow (PEF) after sitting for 1 hour, compared with chair without backrest group (p< 0.05). The chair with backrest group showed a significantly decreased in FVC, FEV1, and PEF. Conclusion: Using a chair without a backrest may help to reduce lung function deterioration as compared with a chair with a backrest.

Does breaking up prolonged sitting improve cognitive functions in sedentary adults? A mapping review and hypothesis formulation on the potential physiological mechanisms

“…In addition, the sitting posture was found to reduce vital capacity, functional residual capacity and peak expiratory flow (PEF) compared to the standing posture in brass players [ 54 ]. In another study, prolonged sitting for 1 h in a chair with backrest compared to that without backrest is found to significantly reduce dynamic lung volumes (PEF = − 0.29 L/min; FEV1 = − 0.15 L; FVC = − 0.10 L) in 24 Korean adults [ 55 ]. Thus, reduction in dynamic lung volumes in sitting may reduce the alveolar recruitment and reduce the availability of continuous oxygen supply to the brain.…”