A STUDY TO CORRELATE PULMONARY FUNCTION TEST AND MAXIMUM OXYGEN CONSUMPTION IN HEALTHY YOUNG ADULTS

Abstract

Relevance. Pulmonary function test (PFT) is an important assessment for lung function. The most commonly used method for PFT is Spirometry. It involves the use of a spirometer to measure lung volumes and capacities.  Different diseases cause different patterns of abnormalities in a battery of pulmonary function tests. An earlier study suggested that reductions in maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) occur reasonably among patients of obstructive and restrictive lung diseases.   Objective of this study was to assess the correlation between the parameters of pulmonary function and cardio-respiratory fitness with the amount of physical activity. Material and Methods. This pilot study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, RUHS College of Medical Sciences, in a group of 100 apparently healthy subjects (students) of 18-25 years age group of either sex. Anthropometric parameters (height, weight and BMI), pulmonary function test (PFT), GPAQ, body fat percentage and VO2 max were assessed in standard laboratory settings. Results. The mean±SD for Age, Height, Weight, GPAQ score, FEV1, PEFR, MVV, FEF25-75% and VO2 max was found to be higher in male participants as compared to female participants while BMI and FVC were almost equal in both the genders but Body Fat % and FEV1/FVC were higher in female participants. Correlation of VO2 max with FVC, FEV1. PEFR, MVV and FEF25-75% is moderately positive while correlation of VO2 max with FEV1/FVC is poorly negative in male subjects. In female subjects correlation of VO2 max with FVC, FEV1. PEFR and MVV is poorly positive while with FEV1/FVC and FEF25-75% it is poorly negative. Conclusion. Present study concludes that maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max) was positively correlated with pulmonary functions except FEV1/FVC ratio in male. While it was poor positive in females except FEV1/FVC ratio and FEF. Study also concludes that observations of PFT parameters vary for male and female subjects. VO2 max i.e. maximum Oxygen Consumption was found to be higher in male participants of the study as compared to female participant’s i.e. male subjects utilizes more amount of Oxygen while exercising than female subjects.