Assessment of Airway Resistance and Specific Airway Conductance in Centrally Obese Adults: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Analysis
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Abstract
Background: Obesity's systemic consequences impact pulmonary function, with central obesity exerting a more significant influence on pulmonary mechanics than peripheral obesity. Waist circumference (WC) emerges as a crucial parameter, yet research focusing on its specific impact on airway mechanics is limited.
Objectives: The study aims to assess whether centrally obese adults exhibit distinct airway resistance and specific airway conductance compared to gender and age-matched controls using cross-sectional study.
Methods: A total of ninety individuals between the ages of 20 and 40 took part in the study. The research group consisted of forty-five individuals who were selected based on their waist circumference (WC) being equal to or more than 90 cm in males and 80 cm in women. The remaining 45 individuals were allocated to the control group according to their waist circumference (WC) being below 90 cm in men and 80 cm in females. A body plethysmograph was used to assess airway resistance and conductance. The statistical methodology employed was appropriate, utilizing the Independent Student's t-test to compare the groups.
Results: The findings showed that the group that participated in the research had a higher airway resistance (P = 0.03) than the control group. No significant disparity in specific airway conductance was observed between the two groups, following the application of suitable statistical tests for mean comparison (P = 0.99).
Conclusion: Centrally obese adults experience increased airway resistance attributable to diminished lung volumes rather than intrinsic airway obstruction. This heightened respiratory effort underscores the importance of maintaining a normal waist circumference to mitigate potential respiratory challenges associated with central obesity.