Comparison of peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) before and after physical exercise in obese and non-obese children

Abstract

Background Obesity has been associated with respiratory complications and it is believed to reduce lung volume. Obesity imposes additional stress on ventilation during exercise and may even result in pulmonary function impairment. Exercise induced-bronchospasm has also been found in obese children. Lung function tests can be useful to confirm diagnosis, response to therapy, or prediction of lung and respiratory diseases. The peak flow meter is an inexpensive, practical way to measure lung function, and can detect the early warning signs of a decrease in lung function. Objective To compare the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) before and after physical exercise in obese and non-obese primary school boys aged 6 to 12 years old. Methods A quasi-experimental study using the one group pretest- posttest design was performed on 30 obese children (BMI above the 95<h percentile) and 30 non-obese children (BMI between the 5<h - 85'h percentile) using a mini-Wright peak flow meter to evaluate the PEFR before and after eight minutes of physical exercise. Height, weight, body mass index, and physical status were determined before testing. Results The PEFR before and after exercise were 14.80 for obese children and 9.76 for non-obese children. The mean value for PEFR between obese and non-obese children was significantly different (P<0.05). Conclusion The PEFR for obese children is significantly lower than non obese children even before physical exercise.

Keywords

• peak expiratory flow rate
• obesity
• physical exercise