Effect of different sitting postures on lung capacity, expiratory flow, and lumbar lordosis

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of sitting posture on lung capacity and expiratory flow (LC-EF) and lumbar lordosis. DESIGN: Repeated measures on 1 group of subjects in 4 postures. SETTING: Laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Seventy able-bodied volunteers. INTERVENTIONS: Postures were assumed randomly: normal, with full ischial support and flat lumbar support; slumped, with the pelvis positioned in the middle of seat while leaning against the backrest; against the back part of the seat without ischial support (WO-BPS), with partially removed ischial support and an enhanced lumbar support; and standing. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: For LC-EF, forced vital capacity, maximum forced expiratory flow, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, and peak expiratory flow; and lumbar lordosis. RESULTS: All LC-EF measures in standing were significantly superior to those in slumped and normal sitting, and 4 measures were significantly higher than in WO-BPS. In slumped sitting, LC-EF significantly decreased from that in normal sitting. WO-BPS sitting significantly increased 4 of the LC-EF measures from those in the normal sitting. Lumbar lordosis was the highest in standing and progressively decreased in WO-BPS, normal, and slumped sitting. CONCLUSIONS: Slumped sitting significantly decreased LC-EF and lumbar lordosis. Because it increases the lumbar lordosis and promotes LC-EF, the WO-BPS posture may be a better seating option for people sitting for a prolonged time.