Comparison of peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) before and after physical exercise in obese and non-obese children

Abstract

Background Obesity has been associated with respiratory complications and it is believed to reduce lung volume. Obesity imposes additional stress on ventilation during exercise and may even result in pulmonary function impairment. Exercise induced-bronchospasm has also been found in obese children. Lung function tests can be useful to confirm diagnosis, response to therapy, or prediction of lung and respiratory diseases. The peak flow meter is an inexpensive, practical way to measure lung function, and can detect the early warning signs of a decrease in lung function. Objective To compare the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) before and after physical exercise in obese and non-obese primary school Methods A quasi-experimental study using the one group pretestth th th percentile) using a mini-Wright peak flow meter to evaluate the PEFR before and after eight minutes of physical exercise. Height, weight, body mass index, and physical status were determined before testing. Results PEFR between obese and non-obese children was significantly ConclusionThe PEFR for obese children is significantly lower than non obese children even before physical exercise. [Paediatr Indones. 2009;49:20-4].

Reference norms for evaluating maximum expiratory flow of children and adolescents of the Maule Region in Chile

“…In general, the MEF is influenced by age, body surface, obesity, physical activity, posture, environment, altitude, tobacco consumption, and racial differences ( Siregar et al, 2009 ) and in minor proportions socio-economic factors ( Raju et al, 2005 ).…”

Comparison of Peak Expiratory Flow Rate between Android and Gynoid Pattern Obesity in Females

“…Accumulation of fat in and around the ribs, the diaphragm, and the abdomen results in a reduction in chest wall compliance. [78] Zerah et al, [79] studied airway resistance in mild, moderate, and morbidly obese individuals and confirmed that both respiratory resistance and airway resistance rose significantly with the level of obesity. These findings suggest that in addition to the elastic load, obese individuals must overcome increased airway resistance resulting from a reduction in lung volumes due to obesity.…”