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Does the supine position worsen respiratory function in elderly subjects?

M Vitacca1, E Clini, W Spassini

  • 1Department of Pneumology, Clinica del Lavoro Foundation IRCCS, Medical Centeroof Gussago, Italy.

Gerontology
|January 1, 1996
PubMed
Summary

The supine position significantly worsens lung function in elderly individuals, decreasing expiratory flows and lung mechanics. This highlights the impact of posture on respiratory health in older adults.

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Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Respiratory Physiology
  • Pulmonary Medicine

Background:

  • Elderly individuals in nursing homes may experience subtle respiratory changes.
  • Clinical stability does not preclude subtle alterations in lung mechanics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of supine versus sitting positions on static, forced expiratory flows, and lung mechanics.
  • To assess respiratory function in clinically stable, elderly nursing home residents.

Main Methods:

  • Seventeen elderly subjects (mean age 80 years) were studied in both sitting and supine positions.
  • Spirometry, breathing pattern analysis, and esophageal balloon measurements were employed.
  • Arterial blood gas analysis was performed.

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Main Results:

  • The supine position significantly decreased forced expiratory volume in 1 second, forced vital capacity, and peak expiratory flow.
  • Tidal volume and dynamic lung compliance decreased, while respiratory rate/tidal volume ratio increased in the supine position.
  • Static mechanics data were not significantly altered by posture, despite reduced maximal inspiratory pressures in the sitting position.

Conclusions:

  • The supine posture significantly impairs expiratory flows and lung mechanics in elderly individuals.
  • These findings are consistent with previous observations in younger populations regarding dynamic lung compliance.
  • While static lung mechanics were unaffected, dynamic parameters and expiratory flows are notably reduced in the supine position for this age group.