Does Body Composition Impact Pulmonary Function?

Abstract

Wide variation is seen in the body composition. This variation in body composition may affect pulmonary functions in the predictable way.

This study has enabled us to learn whether body composition has any effect on pulmonary function test. Thus it would assist in interpretation of pulmonary function tests.  Cross sectional study which was done on attendants of the patients visiting AIIMS Bhopal OPD.

A total of 223 subjects in the age group of 18 to 48 years underwent the pulmonary function test and body composition assessment.

Univariate correlation coefficient (Pearson) was used to check the relationship between various PFT parameters and body composition.

In males, Fat percentage showed significant negative correlation with FEV1 (r=-0.198, p=0.014) and FEF 25-75%, p=0.0005). Fat free mas showed non-significant positive correlation with the most of the PFT parameters and fat free mass index showed significant negative correlation with the FEV1 (r=-0.164, p=0.04) and PIFR.(r=-0.174, p<0.0001). In females significant positive correlation was seen only between fat free mass and FVC. (r=0.32, p=0.005).

Males' body composition has the biggest impact on the pulmonary function test. Some effect is also seen in females.  Therefore, we advise measuring body composition for PFT interpretation.  Body composition should be determined in every overweight and obese person as per the study. However we recommend further multi centric studies in males and especially in females with a larger sample size.