IJCRR - 3(11), November, 2011
Pages: 149-152
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CORRELATION OF PEAK EXPIRATORY FLOW RATE WITH ANTHROPOMETRIC PARAMETERS IN YOUNG ADULTS
Author: Varun Malhotra, Srinivasaragavan N., Rajkumar Patil, Jaiganga R
Category: Healthcare
Abstract:Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) is the maximum rate of airflow achieved during a forced
expiration after maximal inspiration. PEFR of healthy medical students were accessed. Body
mass index (BMI), which is an important parameter to assess whether subjects are obese were
significantly and positively correlated with PEFR. Physical activity reduces weight and
improves fat distribution in the body. Therefore, it can be predicted that physical activity
improves PEFR. The more the height and weight there will be more oxygen demand for the
tissues. The increased oxygen demand should be met by more ventilation thus, increasing
respiratory function and hence PFER.
Full Text:
INTRODUCTION
Disease of respiratory system is one of the common causes that lead to hospital visit of patient in most countries. In diagnosis and treatment of respiratory diseases, the assessment of pulmonary function is of considerable importance.1 Peak expiratory flow rate (PETR) is the maximum rate of air flow achieved during a forced expiration after maximal inspiration. Peak flow meter is an easy cost effective instrument by which PEFR can be measured and used to follow up the patients. No normal reference value for pulmonary function tests of healthy children and adults in Nepal exists. The present study was undertaken to measure the PEFR in healthy children studying in Nepal and to evaluate the effect of body size and obesity on PEFR.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The present study has been carried out among 59 students of Manipal College of Medical Sciences (MCOMS), Pokhara, Nepal. Their height in centimeters was measured by standard method. Weight in kilograms was recorded by weighing machine.
PFER was measured with "standard range FERRARIS Pocket Peak flow meter" manufactured by Ferraris Medical Ltd. London holding it horizontally. 2, 3 Subjects were made relaxed before taking the reading. The test procedure was explained to the subjects and a demonstration of maneuver was given to each of the subjects. After proper rest the subjects was requested to take the deep breath and exhale as forcefully as possible in one single blow into the instrument. During the breathing out into the instrument subject‘s nose was closed. Three readings were taken and highest of the three was accepted. A CORRELATION OF PEAK EXPIRATORY FLOW RATE WITH ANTHROPOMETRIC PARAMETERS IN YOUNG ADULTS Varun Malhotra1 , Srinivasaragavan N.2 , Rajkumar Patil3 , Jaiganga R4 1Department of Physiology, Vinayaka Missions Kirupananda Variyar Medical College 2Department of Physiology, Annapoorana Medical College 3Department of Community Medicine, Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Nepal 4Vinayaka Missions Kirupananda Variyar Medical College E-mail of Corresponding Author: dr_varun@yahoo.com 150 International Journal of Current Research and Review www.ijcrr.com Vol. 03 issue 11 November 2011 close watch was made to ensure that a tight seal was maintained between lips and mouthpiece. The PFER was recorded to the nearest L/min. After data collection data analysis was performed using SPSS (version 10.0). Pearson's correlation coefficient was performed to examine the relationship weight, height with PEFR.
DISSCUSSION
PEFR is determined by bronchial muscle tone of mid airways, and strength of respiratory muscles. Body mass index (BMI), was significantly and positively correlated with PEFR. Physical activity reduces weight and improves fat distribution in the body. Therefore, it can be predicted that physical activity improves PEFR. The more the height and weight the more oxygen demand for the tissues. The more oxygen demand will be met by more ventilation thus, variation in respiratory functions and hence PEFR. As ventilation improves in fit people, the body is charged with an increased supply of oxygen through the lungs, this oxygen "burns" or oxidizes the waste impurities, chiefly carbon, in the venous blood. This process of purification is enhanced by an accompanying large increase in expulsion of waste carbondioxide from the lungs during exhalation. As a consequence, very little of the tissue remains in the blood as waste material. There is less need for the breath, as the flow to the lungs of blood for purification slows down. The heart and lungs are given extraordinary rest. Singh and Peri reported that PEFR correlate best with height in subjects below 30 years and with age in older subject.4 In a study on Ethiopian population it has been shown that that FVC, FEV1 and PEFR have significant correlation with age and height in both males and females. In addition PFER alone was significantly correlated with weight and fat free mass (FFM) in women.5 Significant positive correlation between lung function tests such as vital capacity, maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV), PEFR and anthropometric variables like height, weight body surface area (BSA) was also seen in Indian children.6
In one of the study on healthy Nigerian children (ages 5-20) and adloesents, a good correlation between anthrapometric measurements such as age, height, weight, chest circumference, and body surface area and the indices of pulmonary functions as FVC, FEV1 and PEFR was observed.7 Chia et al studied pulmonary function in healthy Chinese, Malay and Indian adults in Singapore and observed age, height and eight in the males (of all ethnic groups) were significantly correlated with those pulmonary functions.8 In another similar study on Nigerian children (6-19 years), it has been found that PEFR correlates positively and significantly with age, height, weight and BSA in both the sexes.9 Benjaponpitak et al reported that the relationship between PEFR and height was approximately linear in both male and female children. 10
Mohamed et al worked on the impact of body- weight components on forced spirometry in healthy Italians and showed that significant association of sex, age, height, and fat free mass with FVC, FEV1 and peak expiratory flow.11 In two similar
CONCLUSION
The more the height and weight there will be more oxygen demand for the tissues. The more oxygen demand should be met up by more ventilation thus, variation in respiratory functions and hence PEFR. Physical activity reduces weight and improves fat distribution in the body. Therefore, it can be predicted that physical activity improves PEFR.
ACKNOWLEDGEMEN
T We would like to acknowledge the help of the second semesters (aug 2005) batch with special help from Sneha Elizabeth Varghese, without which this project would not have been finished. We would also like to acknowledge Mr. Binu V S for help in statistical analysis.
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