Abstract
Abstract Introduction: Obesity, characterized by the accumulation of excess body fat, can alter respiratory mechanics and compromise functional capacity. Given its increasing prevalence and the significant morbidity associated with the condition, it is important to investigate techniques that enable rapid, easy measurement of lung function and the possible correlation between obesity and functional capacity. Objective: To assess lung function and functional capacity in obese adults and determine whether there is a correlation between reduced peak expiratory flow and impaired functional capacity. Methods: 30 participants, distributed into two groups: obese (36 ± 13 years) and normal weight (31 ± 9 years) were evaluated based on anthropometric measurements, the six-minute walk test (6MWT) and peak expiratory flow (PEF). Results: The obese individuals showed reduced PEF (382 ± 99 vs. 497 ± 104 L/min, p < 0.01), walked shorter distances in the 6MWT (453 ± 37 vs. 617 ± 50 m, p < 0.01), had higher blood pressure and perceived exertion (p < 0.05) when compared to normal weight participants. Additionally, there was a positive significant association between expiratory flow and distance walked in the 6MWT (r = 0.635 and p < 0.001). Conclusion: Obese individuals exhibited lower PEF and walked shorter distances in the 6MWT, indicating a positive correlation between these two variables. In light of this outcome, the assessment methods used could contribute to improving analysis of respiratory and functional status in this population and aid in exercise prescription.
Highlights
Obesity, characterized by the accumulation of excess body fat, can alter respiratory mechanics and compromise functional capacity
Obese individuals exhibited lower peak expiratory flow (PEF) and walked shorter distances in the 6MWT, indicating a positive correlation between these two variables. In light of this outcome, the assessment methods used could contribute to improving analysis of respiratory and functional status in this population and aid in exercise prescription
As expected, anthropometric variables, weight, body mass index (BMI), abdominal circumference (AC), WC, HC and waist-hip ratio (WHR) differed significantly between groups, with higher values recorded in obese individuals (Table 1)
Summary
Obesity, characterized by the accumulation of excess body fat, can alter respiratory mechanics and compromise functional capacity. Methods: 30 participants, distributed into two groups: obese (36 ± 13 years) and normal weight (31 ± 9 years) were evaluated based on anthropometric measurements, the six-minute walk test (6MWT) and peak expiratory flow (PEF). Conclusion: Obese individuals exhibited lower PEF and walked shorter distances in the 6MWT, indicating a positive correlation between these two variables. In light of this outcome, the assessment methods used could contribute to improving analysis of respiratory and functional status in this population and aid in exercise prescription. Obese adults tend to experience respiratory problems, with reduced aerobic capacity and lung compliance as well as increased airway resistance, leading to a decline in functional residual capacity (FRC), forced vital capacity (FVC), residual volume (RV) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1).[8,9]
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