General article
Fall in vital capacity with posture

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Abstract

In a study of 147 subjects (50 normals, 50 with obstructive, and 47 with restrictive lung function), the mean reduction in forced vital capacity from standing to supine (ΔFVC) was 7.5% (sd ±5.7), 11.2% (±13.4), and 8.2% (±7.7) respectively, with no significant difference between groups. The respective 95% upper confidence limits were 19%, 38% and 24%. We conclude that ΔFVC >25% associated with normal or restrictive lung function or >35% associated with airways obstruction should be an indication for further study of diaphragm function.

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