The effect of posture on ventilation and lung mechanics in preterm and light-for-date infants.

The effect of right lateral, supine, and prone postures on ventilation and lung mechanics was studied in 23 healthy newborn infants, ten preterm and 13 term, "light-for-date," In the preterm group, tidal volume, minute volume, elastic work, inspiratory viscous work, total viscous work, and the total work of breathing were significantly greater in the prone position than in the supine position. Results obtained in the lateral position did not differ significantly from those in the prone or supine positions. Posture did not significantly affect tidal volume or lung mechanics in the light-for-date infants. The prone position is suggested to be the optimum nursing posture for healthy preterm infants.