The effects of posture on total respiratory compliance

R. Berger, N. K. Burki

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

In 6 subjects, a minimum of 10 determinations of total respiratory compliance by the weighed spirometer technique was made in four different body positions: seated, supine, right lateral decubitus, and left lateral decubitus. The mean total respiratory compliance was 0.097 ± 0.018 1/cmH2O; the mean individual coefficient of variation was 8%. There was no significant change in the total respiratory compliance with change in posture in any individual or in the group as a whole. In 6 patients with pulmonary disease, the total respiratory compliance determined by this technique and derived from measurements using the esophageal balloon was not significantly different. It is concluded that total thoracic compliance does not vary with posture in normal subjects, and that the weighed spirometer technique is reproducible and clinically applicable.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)262-263
Number of pages2
JournalAmerican Review of Respiratory Disease
Volume125
Issue number2
StatePublished - 1982

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The effects of posture on total respiratory compliance'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this