Mustafa Moradi and Muhammad Hossein Sepehri
The combined effects of obesity and exercise on respiratory system have not been investigated in subjects with normal resting spirometry.The objective was to recognizethe exercise-related breathing issues in non-asthmatic obese individuals, pre and post asub-maximal challenge. Our hypothesis was examined on thirteen age-matched obese (BMI≥35) and ten normal-weight (BMI≤25) males who did not do any type of sport whatsoever. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) were performed at baseline and 30 minutes after exercise at 5, 10, 20 and 30-mint postchallenge time points. All subjects completed the sub-maximal exercise challenge for 8 minutes.Exercise intensity was determined based on HRpeak, in relation to VO2max values. Baseline spirometry revealed no difference between the two groups.A significant reduction was observed in values for proximal airways(p<0.05), however, no significant difference was observed between OG and NWG in post-challenge percent change in FEV1.The results showeda significant difference in spirometry from pre- to post-exercise time points in the high-BMI subjects (p<0.05). FEV1/FVC ratio increased significantly in OG (p<0.05). It seems that obesity and exercise are concomitantly affecting PFT results. Obesity has a considerable impact on spirometry variables which are thought to be boosted by exercise in subjects with normal airway function. The share of obesity and exercise effects on respiratory system can be independently, though not preciselyproved.
