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Respiration effect on standing balance
1Department of Industrial Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|August 1, 1991
Summary
Respiration significantly impacts standing balance, with breath-holding after inspiration causing more sway than after expiration. Increased respiration rates and altered visual input also affect postural sway, relevant for ergonomics and sports.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Physiology
- Motor Control
Background:
- Maintaining upright standing balance is crucial for daily activities.
- Respiratory actions can influence postural control.
- Visual input plays a significant role in maintaining balance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of different respiratory conditions on standing balance.
- To quantify postural sway under various breathing patterns and visual conditions.
Main Methods:
- Ten healthy subjects stood on a force platform.
- Measurements of postural sway were taken during regular breathing (4, 6, 8 breaths/20s), breath-holding after inspiration, and breath-holding after expiration.
- Balance was assessed with eyes open and eyes closed.
Main Results:
- Both respiration and visual condition significantly affected postural sway.
- Breath-holding after inspiration resulted in greater sway than after expiration.
- Higher respiration rates led to increased postural sway.
- Visual compensation for balance was more effective during regular breathing than during breath-holding.
Conclusions:
- Respiratory phase and rate are critical factors influencing standing balance.
- Breath-holding, particularly after inspiration, destabilizes posture.
- Visual input is less effective in compensating for postural sway during breath-holding.
- Findings have implications for ergonomics, sports performance, and clinical balance assessments.