The Effect of Chair Backrest on Respiratory Function in Prolonged Sitting Position

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a chair backrest on respiratory function after prolonged sitting. Methods: Twenty-four young healthy subjects (12 males and 12 females) volunteered to participate in this study, and were equally allocated to a backrest (n=12) or a without backrest group (n=12). A spirometer was used to measure the respiratory functions of all subjects. Results: The chair with backrest group were significant difference in forced vital capacity (FVC), Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), and peak expiratory flow (PEF) after sitting for 1 hour, compared with chair without backrest group (p<0.05). The chair with backrest group showed a significantly decreased in FVC, FEV1, and PEF. Conclusion: Using a chair without a backrest may help to reduce lung function deterioration as compared with a chair with a backrest.