Changes in cardiopulmonary function according to posture during recovery after maximal exercise

[Purpose] This study was undertaken to measure cardiopulmonary function according to body position during the recovery period after maximal exercise and to identify an effective position after high-intensity exercise. [Subjects and Methods] Fifteen male university students in their twenties participated in the study. The subjects were randomly assigned to the supine position, the sitting position, or the trunk forward leaning position during the recovery period following maximal exercise. Oxygen uptake, minute ventilation volume, respiration rate, and heart rate according to posture were measured in a stable state, at maximal exercise loading, and at 1, 3, and 5 minutes after maximal exercise. [Results] Changes of cardiopulmonary function according to posture during the recovery period after maximal exercise showed that minute ventilation volume was smaller in the trunk forward leaning position than in the sitting or supine positions, and oxygen uptake also declined. [Conclusion] The trunk forward leaning position has a more positive effect on pulmonary ventilation after high-intensity exercise.