Respiration effect on standing balance.

An attempt was made to determine the effect of respiration on standing balance. Ten able-bodied subjects were asked to stand upright on a force platform and were asked to hold their breath after inspiration and after expiration, and to breathe regularly, 4, 6, and 8 respirations per 20 seconds. Sway was measured over 20-second periods with eyes open and eyes closed. The results show that both respiration and eye condition affect the sway distance of the center of pressure on body balance. The sway distance in holding breath after inspiration is significantly greater than in holding breath after expiration, and increasing the respiration rate produces a greater postural sway. Also, the grade of visual compensation for body balance is higher in the regular respiration condition than in breath holding. These findings are applicable for ergonomics, sports, and clinical situations.