Total and Compartmental Chest Wall Volumes, Lung Function, and Respiratory Muscle Strength in Individuals with Abdominal Obesity: Effects of Body Positions

Background. Abdominal obesity is a chronic condition that can contribute to impairments in lung function, leading to increased risks for respiratory-related diseases. Body position is an important technique that effectively restores and increases lung function and chest wall volumes. The objective of the current study was to examine the effects of the body positions on total and compartmental chest wall volumes, lung function, and respiratory muscle strength in individuals with and without abdominal obesity. Methods. Twenty obesity and twenty healthy males performed in four body position including sitting without and with back support, Fowler's, and supine positions. Each position was performed for five minutes. Chest wall volumes, lung function, and respiratory muscle strength were assessed in each position. Results. Sitting without and with back support resulted in higher total and rib cage compartmental chest wall volumes, lung function, and inspiratory muscle strength than Fowler’s and supine positions in both groups (p