Changes in spirometry parameters with the change in posture from sitting to supine positions in asymptomatic normal weight, overweight and obese young Omani males

Abstract

Objectives Worldwide obesity is one of the major problems. Some studies say that in Oman it reaches up to 50% of the adult population.
Obesity creates many complications in the body, mainly the respiratory system. Few studies were done to evaluate the effect of obesity on
airflow parameters in pulmonary function test. Our study evaluates the effect of obesity on the airflow parameters while changing the
posture from sitting to supine position in non-obese, overweight, and obese individuals.
Methods About 30 subjects were divided into three groups according to their BMI. Physical examination was done and questionnaire was
given to the subjects prior to the procedure. Forced vital capacity maneuver was done for each subject at least five times spirometry
parameters were derived from the flow volume curve obtained after expiratory effort.
Results All the parameters were decreasing from sitting to supine position in all the three BMI groups except PEF in overweight group. There
was no statistically significant difference between the three groups while comparing them in sitting or supine position. Also, the comparison
between each two groups in mean percentage difference showed no significant difference.
Conclusion The study showed that the difference in airflow parameters with the change in posture from sitting to supine position was not
significantly different in obese subjects as compared with non-obese and overweight subjects. This insignificant result may be due to small
sample size or because of the fixed age group [19–25 years old]. Females were not included in the study. The study has generated some
background information on lung functions of obese but otherwise asymptomatic Omani males which can be used for study of lung
function in morbidly obese subjects.