Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026
Preterm EEG: A Multimodal Neurophysiological Protocol
Published on: February 18, 2012
The effects of positioning on the Hering-Breuer reflex in the preterm infant
Ivan L Hand1, Lawrence Noble, Donna Geiss
1Jacobi Medical Center, Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA. hand@aecom.yu.edu
Insights
Newborn positioning significantly impacts the Hering-Breuer inflation reflex (HBIR) in preterm infants. The reflex is stronger in the prone position compared to the supine position, suggesting positioning influences breathing control.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Physiology
- Respiratory Control
Background:
- The Hering-Breuer inflation reflex (HBIR) is crucial for regulating breathing.
- Understanding factors affecting neonatal respiratory reflexes is vital for preterm infant care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of body positioning on the HBIR in preterm infants.
- To quantify differences in HBIR strength between supine and prone positions.
Main Methods:
- Pulmonary function testing, including HBIR measurement, was performed on seven preterm infants (732-1450g, 32-36 weeks post-conceptual age).
- HBIR strength was assessed by measuring expiratory prolongation after an occluded breath in both supine and prone positions during quiet sleep.
- Sleep states were classified using Prechtl's criteria.
Main Results:
- A significantly stronger HBIR was observed in the prone position (237 +/- 108% expiratory prolongation) compared to the supine position (95 +/- 32%).
- The mean difference in reflex strength between prone and supine positions was 142 +/- 119% (P=0.028).
Conclusions:
- Infant positioning demonstrably affects the strength of the Hering-Breuer inflation reflex.
- Newborn positioning may play a role in modulating pulmonary reflexes and breathing control in preterm infants.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of positioning on the Hering-Breuer inflation reflex (HBIR) in the preterm infant. Seven, non-intubated, premature infants, ranging in birthweight from 732 to 1450 g with post-conceptual ages of 32-36 weeks were studied. In each infant, pulmonary function testing, including the HBIR was obtained using the SensorMedics 2600 during quiet sleep in the supine and prone position. The strength of the HBIR was quantified by the measurement of the percent prolongation of expiration after an occluded breath. Sleep states were categorized by the criteria of Prechtl. There was a significant difference in Hering-Breuer activity in the prone position versus the supine position with a consistently stronger reflex in the prone position. The mean percent prolongation of expiration was 237 +/- 108% in the prone position versus 95 +/- 32% in the supine position. Analysis of the data, using paired t-testing revealed a mean difference of 142 +/- 119% between prone and supine positions (P=0.028). Significant differences in the strength of the HBIR occur in relation to positioning in the preterm infant. Newborn positioning may affect pulmonary reflexes and may play a role in control of breathing.
Related Concept Videos
01:08Reflex Activity
A reflex exam is a diagnostic procedure performed by a healthcare professional to evaluate the functionality of a patient's...
01:22Somatic Spinal Reflexes
One of the most well-known somatic spinal reflexes is the stretch reflex, which is activated by the sudden stretching of a muscle. This reflex involves the activation of specialized sensory receptors called muscle spindles, which are located in the muscle tissue and detect changes in the length and speed of muscle contractions. When a muscle is suddenly...