Post Exercise Change in Peak Expiratory Flow Rate and its Relation with Body Adiposity in Nepalese Settings
Abstract
Background: The Queens College Step Test is used to determine aerobic fitness. Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) is the maximum rate of forceful exhalation following full inspiration. PEFR primarily reflects bronchial airflow and depends on the voluntary effort and muscular strength of the individual. Studies that correlate ventilatory capacity with body fat percentage are rare in published literature in Nepalese settings. Body fat percentage is regarded as a better indicator of obesity recently. Hence, this study aims to find an association between post-exercise change in PEFR and body adiposity in the context of Nepal.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out from 20th July 2019 to 15th November in the laboratory of Clinical Physiology of Maharajgunj Medical Campus. Body fat percentage was measured by using OMRON BF 214. Pre-exercise PEFR of each subject was recorded by using Wright’s peak flow meter. Post-exercise PEFR was also recorded after three minutes of Queen’s College step test, which is the submaximal exercise test, and change in PEFR was calculated and correlated with body fat percentage.
Result: The study showed a negative correlation of change in PEFR with body fat percentage (r=-0.324; P<0.001). A significant difference (P = 0.002) was observed between different quartiles of body fat percentage. A highly significant difference (P = 0.003) was noted with the first and fourth quartiles.
Conclusion: Less ventilatory adjustment in response to exercise was noted in subjects with more body fat percentage compared to those with less body fat percentage.
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