Comparison of spirometric results obtained from the sitting and standing position in children participating in an...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Respiratory Physiology
• Epidemiological Research Methods

Background:

• Current recommendations advise spirometric testing in children to be conducted in a sitting position.
• However, anecdotal evidence suggests children may prefer performing spirometry while standing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare spirometric outcomes obtained from children performing the test in both sitting and standing positions.
• To evaluate the impact of testing position on lung function measurements in a pediatric cohort.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 118 children aged 7-13 years was conducted.
• Two spirometry sessions, sitting (SIP) and standing (STP), were performed in random order approximately 30-45 minutes apart.
• Spirometric variables including forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Acceptable spirometry maneuver quality was achieved in approximately 77% of both standing and sitting tests.
• While slightly higher values for FVC and FEV1 were observed in the standing position, these differences were not statistically significant.
• Relative between-position differences (RBPD) showed considerable variability, with less than 70% of FEV1 and FVC measurements meeting a 5% threshold.
• Age influenced RBPD for FEV1 and mid-expiratory flow rates, with older children exhibiting smaller differences.

Conclusions:

• The position during spirometric testing (sitting vs. standing) does not significantly impact lung function assessment results in children.
• These findings support the use of either position in epidemiological studies, potentially improving participant compliance.
• The study highlights the need to consider age and specific respiratory conditions when interpreting between-position differences in spirometry.