Volume : 5, Issue : 9, September - 2016

Study of the effect of Body Mass Index (BMI) on Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) in young healthy individuals.

Dr. Kalpojit Saikia, Dr. Shrabani Barman

Abstract :

<p>&nbsp;Obesity and overweight is known to reduce the ventilatory flow rates. Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) is the maximum velocity with which air is forced out of the lungs. Body mass index (BMI) is commonly used to assess the overall adiposity in adults. This study was undertaken to evaluate the correlation of Body Mass Index (BMI) with Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR). It was a cross-sectional study where 150 subjects (both males and females) among the MBBS and Post &ndash;Graduate students of Silchar Medical College in the age group of 20 -29 years were recruited. BMI was calculated using Quetelet Index. Peak expiratory flow rate was measured using computerised spirometer. In the study it was found that BMI had a negative correlation with PEFR in both males (r= -0.031, p&gt;0.01) and females (r= -0.160, p&gt;0.01) which was not significant.</p>