Effect of Variations in Neck Position on Peak Expiratory Flow Rate in Supine Posture in Young Healthy Adults - A Cross Sectional Study

ABSTRACT

Many individuals prefer using a pillow under their head when they sleep or read or use hand held electronic devices in recumbent position. Changes in position of the head with respect to the neck in supine posture may occur depending on the use of a pillow or height of the pillow used. This alteration of head and neck position might have an effect on pulmonary ventilation. The Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) is one of the tests to assess pulmonary functions and PEFR can be performed easily and rapidly with the help of Wright’s Mini Peak Flowmeter. This study was undertaken to see the effect of variations in neck position on peak expiratory flow rate in supine posture in young healthy adults. METHODSA cross sectional study was carried out on 150 apparently healthy medical students of both sexes in the age group of 18 - 21 years. PEFR values were recorded using Wright’s Mini Peak Flow Meter. The subjects were asked to lie down in supine position on a wooden couch and recording of the peak expiratory flow rate was performed, initially by placing the subject’s head directly on the wooden couch and then by keeping the head on a pillow of 5 cm height. RESULTSData was analysed using paired ‘T’ Test and the p value of less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. We found that the mean PEFR value obtained using a pillow of 5 cm height under the head was more than the mean PEFR value obtained without using the pillow and the change in mean PEFR values was statistically significant (Table 1). CONCLUSIONSAfter comparing the mean PEFR values in the supine position with and without use of a pillow, we found that mean PEFR value was significantly higher when PEFR test was performed with use of a low height pillow (5 cm) under the head. From the result of this study, we conclude that pulmonary ventilation is better when the head and neck are supported with a low height pillow in supine posture.