Original Research Article
Year: 2019 | Month: September | Volume: 9 | Issue: 9 | Pages: 39-45
Comparison of Peak Expiratory Flow Rate in Obese and Non-Obese Women
Saylee R. Patil1, Dr Amita Mehta2
1MPT (Cardiovascular and Respiratory Physiotherapy)
2Professor and Head, Physiotherapy School and Centre, Seth G S Medical College and KEM Hospital Parel, Mumbai.
Corresponding Author: Saylee R. Patil
ABSTRACT
Background: Obesity is a condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have negative effect on health. In recent years it has reached epidemic proportion among young females in whom it has become an increasingly important medical problem. Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) is most commonly used method to monitor lung function. It is the largest expiratory flow rate achieved with a maximally forced effort from a position of maximal inspiration. It is measured with peak expiratory flow meter which is a small hand-held device.
Aim: The aim of the study is to Compare Peak Expiratory Flow Rate in obese and non-obese women.
Objectives: Obese women, without obvious respiratory illness, have an increased risk of dyspnoea during exercise or during sight increase in physical activity. This can lead to early and easy fatigability in the women leading to sedentary life style. Thus, there is need to find the effect of increased body mass index on peak expiratory flow rate in obese women as compared to non-obese to adequately formulate exercise prescription for improving functional capacity and weight reduction for obese women.
Methods: The study included 164 women, 82 obese (BMI > 25 kg/m2) and 82 non obese (BMI 18.5- 22.9 kg/m2). Women with age of 20-40 year old. Women having cardio or pulmonary condition were excluded. PEFR was measured by using CiplaTM Mini wright peak flow meter as per EU scale in standing position. Three measurements were taken and the highest was recorded.
Results: The mean and standard deviation of PEFR in obese women was 252.9 ±37.66 L/min and in non-obese women was 339.3±42.74 L/min. Comparison was done by using Mann Whitney test. P value of < 0.0001 was obtained.
Conclusion: The PEFR values were significantly lower in obese women as compared to non-obese women.
Key words: Peak expiratory flow rate, Body mass index (BMI), obese, non- obese, Mini wright peak flow meter.