Response of the respiratory system to exercise in proliferative phase of menstrual cycle in a group of perimenopausal obese homemakers

Abstract

Background: The role of hormones on lung function tests were well known in the normal course of the menstrual cycle. Significant increase in both progesterone (37%) and estradiol (13.5%), whereas no change in plasma follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone was observed in exercising women in previous studies. Therefore, this study was intended to see the limitations of the respiratory system in adaptability to exercise in proliferative phase of menstrual cycle in perimenopausal obese homemakers. Materials and Methods: Healthy young adult females between 42 and 45 years who regularly undergo training and participate in competitive middle distance running events for at least previous 3 years were considered in the control, whereas the study group did not have any such regular exercise program were obese homemakers. The two groups were in perimenopausal age group. They were made to undergo computerized spirometry after undergoing maximal exercise testing on a motorized treadmill. Results: It was observed that exercise per se does not cause a statistically significant change in dynamic lung function parameters Maximum Mid Expiratory Flow rate (MMEF), peak expiratory flow rate, mid-expiratory flow 25-75% in either of the groups. Conclusion: This finding supports the hypothesis that the respiratory system is not normally the most limiting factor in the delivery of oxygen even under the predominant influence of estrogen in proliferative phase, which is further accentuated by exercise.