A study of deterioration of pulmonary function parameters among smokers and recovery among ex-smokers in bus depot workers.

Smoking has deleterious effects on Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) parameters; however, evidences about recovery in ex-smokers are ambiguous. Therefore present study was conducted to quantify relative deterioration of PFT parameters and to assess reversibility of the same. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 84 bus-depot workers consisting of equal number of smokers, ex-smokers and non-smokers. PFT observations were obtained using Medspiror following standard methods and precautions. Comparisons among three groups were performed employing one-way ANOVA and post-hoc tests. There were substantial effects of smoking on PFT parameters (deterioration was up-to half). Partial recovery was found in all the parameters of ex-smokers. Frequency and duration of smoking were negatively correlated with some of the parameters. In conclusion, present study has demonstrated considerable deterioration of PFT parameters in smokers and indications of recovery in ex-smokers. Further detailed study with larger sample size and stricter definition of ex-smokers is recommended.

Blood pressure responses to steady treadmill exercise in overweight and obese young adults.

Overweight and obesity are major risk factors for chronic diseases. There exists an autonomic imbalance in these persons. The blood pressure response to exercise is an useful method to evaluate cardiac status. Hence this project was undertaken to study the blood pressure responses to steady treadmill exercise in overweight and obese persons. The study was carried out on 85 young healthy adults (Normal weight = 30, Overweight = 25 and Obese = 30) in the age group of 18-22 yrs. Steady dynamic exercise test was done on treadmill for 5 mins. Blood pressure and Pulse rate were recorded before, during 3rd min of exercise, immediately after cessation of exercise and after 5 mins of recovery. Statistical analysis was done using one way ANOVA followed by post-hoc tests for between group comparisons. The resting blood pressure was higher in overweight and obese group when compared to normal group. There was increased systolic pressure response to exercise in study groups where as the diastolic pressure decreased during exercise. Heart rate response was also higher in study groups. Over weight and obese young adults had elevated resting blood pressure and showed increased response to steady exercise which could be due to alterations in the autonomic activity in these persons.

Changes in Ocular Perfusion Pressure in Response to Short Term Isometric Exercise in Young Adults.

Ocular Perfusion Pressure (OPP) is the pressure difference between the Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) and theIntra Ocular Pressure (IOP). Decreased OPP could be a major risk factor for glaucoma. The aim is to study the effect ofIsometric exercise on OPP in apparently healthy young adults. Forty apparently healthy young adult volunteers comprising20 males and 20 females in the age group of 18-21 years were selected among MBBS Phase I students of JSS Medicalcollege, JSSU, Mysore. IOP and BP were recorded. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and OPP were calculated. There was astatistically significant difference (p<0.05) in the mean OPP before and after performing Isometric exercise and betweenmales (50.58±0.72 to 56.85±1.15 mm Hg) and females (49.35 ± 1.66 to 56.71 ± 1.61 mm Hg). Physical activity in the formof Isometric exercise improves ocular blood flow - OPP. Hence regular exercise of prescribed intensity may prove useful forglaucomatous patients which enhance their OPP.

Myocardial oxygen consumption at rest and during submaximal exercise: effects of increased adiposity.

Overweight and obesity are major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of increased adiposity on myocardial oxygen consumption at rest and during submaximal exercise in young adults. The study consisted of 85 young adults (18-22 years) grouped into 3 based on their body mass index as normal (NW, n=30), overweight (OW, n=25) and obese (OB, n=30). Steady dynamic exercise test equivalent to Grade 2 Bruce protocol was carried out on treadmill for 5min. Blood pressure and heart rate were recorded before, during 3rd min of exercise, immediately after cessation of exercise and during 5th min of recovery. MVO2 was measured by the Rate Pressure Product (RPP) calculated as product of heart rate and systolic blood pressure. Statistical analysis was done using ANOVA and regression analysis. The mean resting RPP was significantly higher in overweight and obese groups when compared with the normal weight group (p<0.05). There was significant increase in RPP changes to exercise [mean difference in NW-8270.93 bpm.mmHg (99.61%), OW-10593.12 bpm.mmHg (118.39%) and OB-10897.33 bpm.mmHg (118.10%), p< 0.05] and the value did not return to baseline after 5 mins of recovery in study groups (p< 0.05). BMI and Waist stature ratio were the most important independent parameters in prediction of RPP. The study shows that overweight and obese young adults have elevated resting RPP and much higher RPP response to exercise indicating increased (MVO2) at rest and during exercise suggesting higher hemodynamic stress to the heart.