J Korean Phys Ther.  2020 Feb;32(1):34-38. 10.18857/jkpt.2020.32.1.34.

Do the Types of Seat Surface influence the pulmonary Functions during Prolonged Sitting?

• Son S

• KMID: 2519977
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.18857/jkpt.2020.32.1.34

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of the types of seat surface (static or dynamic seat surface) on the pulmonary functions during prolonged sitting.
Methods
Thirty-four participants (20 males and 14 females) were recruited, and distributed randomly into dynamic prolonged sitting (DPS, n=17) and static prolonged sitting (SPS, n=17) groups. The DPS group was seated on a chair with a dynamic air cushion, and the SPS group was seated on a chair without a dynamic air cushion. The pulmonary function was assessed before sitting, and after participants had been seated for one hour. The pulmonary function [forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), and Peak expiratory flow (PEF)] was measured using a spirometer.
Results
Statistical analyses revealed significant differences in the time x group interactions of FVC, FEV1, PEF, and FEV1/FVC. The DPS group were significantly different in FVC, FEV1, PEF, and FEV1/FVC after prolonged sitting for one hour, compared to the SPS group (p<0.05).
Conclusion
These findings suggest that dynamic sitting can prevent a decrease in the physiological function, such as pulmonary functions, rather than static sitting during prolonged sitting.

Keyword

Prolonged sitting; Pulmonary function; Dynamic sitting