A Study of Correlation of Peak Expiratory Flow Rate with Body Mass Index in Healthy School Going Children

Abstract

Introduction: Peak expiratory flow rate is the maximum rate at which the air
can be expired after deep inspiration and it is an effort dependent parameter.
PEFR is measured to detect the cardiorespiratoryefficiency of an individual
and it is also affected by BMI of an individual. By taking appropriate measures
like physical activity we can reduce the negative effect of BMI on
cardiorespiratory function.
Aims and Objectives: the present study was done to see the effect of BMI on
PEFR and also to compare the PEFR between boys and girls.
Materials and Methods: In the present study 300 school going children were
selected and their PEFR was measured with the help of mini peak flow meter
and their BMI was also calculated.
Result: the present study showed that in case of girls PEFR increased with
increase in BMI but there wasslight decrease in 19-22.99 categories and in
case of boys the PEFR increased with correspondence with BMI but there was
decrease in PEFR in 23-26.99 category.
Conclusion: from the present study we had found that BMI had a great effect
on PEFR. So early physical activity will decrease BMI and thus improve one’s
cardiorespiratory fitness.
PEFR peak expiratoryflow rate,BMIbodymassindex.
Abbreviations HRheartrate,BMIbodymass index