Abstract
[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of standing alignment on respiratory function and exercise tolerance. [Subjects] The subjects were 16 healthy adults. [Method] In the standing position, wearing a harness, the thoracolumbar spine was set at three different angles of flexion to the hip. In the standing positions, the distance from the center of gravity (COG) line of each body marker was determined, the respiratory pattern was evaluated using the 5 levels of Kawamata et al., the respiratory function was measured using a spirometer, and exercise tolerance was evaluated using the shuttle walking test. The results were analyzed for relationships with the standing postures. [Results] The respiratory pattern deteriorated with anterior shift of the ear, shoulder, knee and lateral malleous, but improved with forward shift of the greater trochanter. Percent vital capacity and inspiratory reserve volume declined with anterior shift of the upper body COG. Walking distance shortened with anterior shift of the ear and knee. [Conclusion] Respiratory function declined due to the postures, and oxygen uptake of the periphery increased due to excessive muscular contraction, lowering exercise tolerance. We found a strong correlation between standing posture and respiratory pattern, respiratory function and exercise tolerance, suggesting standing posture influences respiratory function and exercise tolerance.
