Abstract
Spirometry, or pulmonary function testing, is a commonly used method to assess lung function and to determine the severity of lung disease (e.g., COPD, Asthma). Current literature has identified relationships between pulmonary function and body composition in athletes and individuals suffering from various diseases (e.g., COPD, Asthma). However, there is limited research establishing this relationship in metabolically healthy individuals (e.g., healthy, overweight, obese). PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between body composition and pulmonary function in metabolically healthy, non-smoking adults. METHODS: 109 participants (51=M and 58=F, age = 42.3 ± 11.4, BF% 24.8 ± 8.4) connected to the use of their data and met the criteria for inclusion into this study. Inclusion criteria for the study were: 1) 25-65 years old, 2) metabolically healthy in accordance with current metabolic and lipid standards, 3) no diagnosed pulmonary diseases (e.g., asthma, sleep apnea), 3) no diagnosed cardiovascular diseases, events or surgeries, 4) no diagnosed renal or kidney disease, and 5) no previous or current chronic diseases (e.g., cancer, T1DM, T2DM). As part of the outreach program, all participants completed a standardized blood draw following an overnight fast. All blood samples were sent to Clinical Pathologies Laboratory to assess their metabolic and lipid profiles. Following the blood draw, participants underwent a body composition analysis using a DEXA. Finally, participants completed a pulmonary function assessment measuring forced vital capacity (FVC), slow vital capacity (SVC), and maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV). RESULTS: Individuals with higher body fat percentage (BF%) were negatively correlated with a reduction in FVC, MVV, and FEV1 (p < 0.01). Corresponding linear regressions showed for every point increase in BF%, FVC decreases by 49.1% (CI = -.084, -.041; p < .001), FEV1 decreases 45.5% (CI = -.068, -.030; p < .001), and MVV decreases by 51.6%(CI = -3.626, -1.708; p < .001). Additionally it was found that for every point increase in BMI and L-Spine BMC, participant FVC increases 20.5% (CI = .010, .094; p < .001) and 29% (CI = .009, .032; p < .001), and FEV1 increases 13.5% (CI = -.008, .065; p < .001) and 32% (CI = .009, .029; p < .001) respectively. Moreover, results showed that increases in BMI and L-Spine BMC had no statistical significance increase in MVV. CONCLUSION: Individuals who have more LMM, higher BMC, and lower total BF% show better results in their lung function. However, as total BF% decreases, their pulmonary function shows a steady decline. In conclusion, in order to preserve pulmonary function in healthy obese and overweight populations, individuals should aim to reduce BF% and increase overall LMM.
Recommended Citation
Bolden, Leroy K.; Chapman-Lopez, Tomas J.; Russell, Olivia; Pickler, Mary C.; and Gallucci, Andrew R.
(2025)
"The Associations Between Pulmonary Function and Body Composition Parameters in Healthy, Non-Smoking Adults,"
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2:
Iss.
17, Article 179.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol2/iss17/179
Included in
Health and Physical Education Commons, Medical Education Commons, Sports Sciences Commons