Impact of Anthropometric Parameters on Peak Expiratory Flow Rate

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the variation of Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) with various anthropometric measurements.Methodology: It was a cross sectional study conducted University Medical and Dental College Faisalabad from August 2019 to September 2019.The study comprised of 210 participants of age 18 to 25 years. A detailed history regarding smoking, respiratory disease and allergies were taken. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from recorded height and weight. PEFR was measured by Peak flow meter. Data was analyzed by SPSS 21. Mean and SD was calculated for continuous variables. Percentages were estimated for categorical variables. ANOVA and t-test were used for comparison of mean between the groups. Association of PEFR with anthropometric measurements was analyzed by regression analysis.Results: Of total population of 210 subjects, 60.5% were males 39.5% were females. Mean PEFR was higher in tall than short heighted subjects. This difference was significant. (p value=0.005*). Significant difference in mean PEFR was also noted with respect to weight distribution of subjects (p value = 0.01*). On analyzing the subjects on the basis of BMI, we observed lower PEFR values in underweight and obese subjects in contrast to subjects with normal BMI, however this difference was not significant (p value = 0.42). PEFR was positively associated with height (p value = 0.004*) PEFR was not significantly associated with age, weight and BMI.Conclusion: PEFR was positively influenced by height and taller subjects have greater PEFR values than short heighted subjects. Age, weight and BMI have no impact on PEFR.

Emerging Risk Factors for Impaired Lung Function in Chemical Industry Workers of Faisalabad

“…17 Another study conducted in Faisalabad also found lower PEFR values in obese and underweight subjects as compared to normal weight subjects, however, this aforementioned study did not find any significant association with BMI. 14 Study performed in Turkey' by Gundogdu et al also reaffirm our findings and shows lower PEFR with increasing BMI. 18 Our results are justified by the interesting findings of Ijaz et al conducted in Lahore, demonstrating a significant positive correlation between PEFR and BMI in the underweight and normal-weight subjects, however, no statistically sound correlation was found in overweight and obese subjects.…”

“…12,13 The current study did not find any significant relation between PEFR with height in contrast to current results, recent past studies by Ijaz et al in Lahore and Atta et al at Faisalabad reported a significant positive association of height with PEFR. 4,14 A similar Indian study analyzing the impact of height and weight on PEFR of the workers of chemical industries also reported a significant positive correlation between heights with PEFR. 15 A Malaysian study conducted by Firdous et al also documented the significant positive association between PEFR and height.…”

Impacts of adiposity parameters on peak expiratory flow rate in healthy young adults of Bahria University Medical and Dental College Karachi: cross-sectional study

“…In contrast, a study done in Faisalabad, Pakistan, reported a decrease in PEFR values with BW increase. 19 Another study reported that PEFR upsurges to a certain level with increasing BH and BW, and then declines as BH and BW increase further. 15…”

“…21 A study in Pakistan did not find any association of PEFR with BMI. 19 Increased PBF is detrimental to lung function and is related to several pulmonary diseases, but conflicting results have been reported concerning its relation with PEFR. 21 PBF is theoretically related to decreased pulmonary function through the mechanism of inhibition of diaphragmatic movement into the abdominal cavity due to accumulation of fat, 22,23 but the current outcomes are opposite to this theory and revealed a significant positive association of PEFR with PBF.…”