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Effect of physical activity and parameters of body stature and body composition on respiratory muscle strength in healthy young males: An observational study

Background and Aim: Obesity and physical inactivity affect respiratory functioning adversely. Maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) measure the strength of respiratory muscles. We studied the MIP and MEP in nonathletic young males in relation to adiposity and physical activity. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on a consecutive sample of sixty young apparently healthy nonathletic males. Body mass index (BMI) and body composition were measured by Omron Karada Scan by tetra poplar bio-electrical impedance. We measured MIP and MEP by Ultima PFX real-time diffusion (RTD) (Medgraphic diagnostic company, USA), Breezesuite software, flow volume calibration, and guidelines laid by the American Thoracic Society. Results were analyzed further by comparing the actual value against the predicted value among the three patterns of subgrouping based on BMI, visceral fat (VF), and physical activity. Statistical significance was set at P< 0.05. Results: The study group had a mean age of 21 years, mean BMI of 22.5, and nearly half with BMI <22.5 and half were physically active. Better profile of body composition was present in males with BMI <22.5, VF <10%, and physical activity. MIP and MEP of the study participants were significantly lower than the predicted values, significantly better with physical activity and better without statistical significance with BMI or VF controlled. MIP and MEP correlated negatively but insignificantly with most other test parameters. Conclusion: Maximal respiratory pressures of young nonathletic males were less than predicted, more so with physical inactivity than adiposity. This indicates the importance of exercise and moderate physical activity to strengthen the respiratory muscle for optimal maximum respiration.