Pulmonary function in quadriplegia: effects of a corset

Fifteen quadriplegic patients underwent multiple pulmonary function studies performed in 2 positions, sitting and supine, and in both positions under 2 circumstances, wearing and not wearing a corset. Analysis of variance showed that 3 volumes were significantly improved (p less than 0.05) supine, especially without the corset: vital capacity (C), inspiratory capacity (IC) and tidal volume (Vt). Although most pulmonary function tests were improved when the patients were supine the trends when sitting were for improvement when wearing a corset. Most of these patients were studied at least 1 year postinjury and results are not substantially different from those 6 months postinjury. Corsets do not have an untoward effect on pulmonary function tests.