RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 The influence of posture on airway structure and function in healthy subjects
JF European Respiratory Journal
JO Eur Respir J
FD European Respiratory Society
SP 204
VO 42
IS Suppl 57
A1 Glenn Leemans
A1 Kris Ides
A1 Cedric Van Holsbeke
A1 Dirk Vissers
A1 Wim Vos
A1 Wilfried De Backer
YR 2013
UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/42/Suppl_57/204.abstract
AB Rationale: Lateral posture (LP) has e a positive effect on airway clearance in the depended lung, but the exact principle behind this is not well understood. One of the underlying hypotheses is that LP causes higher local airflow velocity during tidal breathing, resulting in sufficient shearing forces to move mucus.Aim: To confirm this hypothesis by investigating the changes in local airway dimensions, regional airflow distribution and velocities between supine (SP) and right lateral decubitus (RLP) position.Methods: 4 healthy male subjects (26[21-33]years old) underwent CT scans (spirometry controlled) in SP and RLP at expiration (FRC) and inspiration (TLC). Functional respiratory imaging (FRI) was used to evaluate changes in airway structure and function. Airway functionality was assessed at a simulated inspiratory flow rate of 25L/min.Results: In SP a homogeneous airflow distribution between both lungs was observed (R/L=52/48). Switching to RLP caused an increased ventilation towards the right lung (R/L=63/37, p<0.0001). This was combined with a decreased airway diameter (Δ=-4.8%, p=0.0002) and increased velocity (Δ=+21.3%, p=0.02) in the depended lung.Conclusion: FRI demonstrated increased ventilation, higher airflow velocity and decreased airway dimensions in the depended lung in RLP. These preliminary results in healthy subjects confirm that posture changes affect local airflow velocity.