Effects of postural differences on intrapleural pressure during chest wall compression in healthy males

[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the difference in intrapleural pressure between the supine and lateral decubitus positions during manual chest wall compression. [Participants and Methods] Eight healthy males participated in this study. The same physiotherapist performed chest wall compression on participants lying supine, and on their right and left sides. We noted changes in intrapleural pressure and lung volume in each participant during quiet breathing and chest wall compression. [Results] During chest wall compression, intrapleural pressure at the end-expiratory lung volume and the end-inspiratory lung volume were lower in the right and left decubitus positions than in the supine position. We observed the following low inflection points in the pressure-volume loops during chest wall compression: all participants in the supine position, no participants in the right decubitus position, and two participants in the left decubitus position. [Conclusion] Chest wall compression in the bilateral decubitus positions may not cause excessive intrapleural pressure on the airway and alveoli as compared to chest wall compression in the supine position.