Comparisons of respiratory muscle strength and chest expansions between obese class I and normal weight females

• Main Authors: Sarayoot Mongkol, Duangrudee Taworn
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chaing Mai University 2017-09-01
• Series: Journal of Associated Medical Sciences
• Subjects: Respiratory muscle strength; chest expansion; obese class I
• Online Access: https://www.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/bulletinAMS/article/view/88665

Background: Obesity is a medical condition which increases body fat and a negative effect on respiratory system. Objectives: To compare the respiratory muscle strength and chest wall expansions between obese class I and normal weight females. Materials and methods: Ninety female participants aged 18-30 years old were equally divided into normal weight (BMI 19.28±0.57 kg/m2) and obese class I (BMI 26.32±0.64 kg/m2) groups. Maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) were measured in both groups by respiratory muscle meter. Chest expansions at the upper, middle and lower part of thorax were assessed using a tape measurement. Results: MIP and MEP were significantly different between groups (p<0.05). Additionally, respiratory muscle strength of obese class I group was higher than those in the normal weight group. The upper, middle, and lower chest expansions in obese class I group were higher than those in normal weight group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Respiratory muscle strength and chest wall expansions in obese class I female participants were higher than those in normal weight females.