Indirect Determination of Maximal Oxygen Consumption (VO2Max) and Its Correlation with Body Mass Index

Background: The current study was designed to evaluate cardio respiratory fitness in terms of VO2max in young healthy males and to correlate between body mass index and cardio respiratory fitness. Methods: One hundred twenty-five apparently healthy male subjects in the age group of 18 to 25 years were included in this study group. Body mass index was measured as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters square. Cardio respiratory fitness in terms of VO2max was predicted by following the protocol of Treadmill Jogging Test (TMJ). Results: There was a highly significant negative correlation between body mass index and VO2max, r = -0.75 p<0.0001. Conclusion: The result suggests that the reduced cardiac performance during progressive work rate exercise in obese individuals. Greater the BMI, more severe will be the functional impairment, suggesting excessive amount of body fat on cardio-respiratory functions and oxygen uptake by working muscles

Comparative Assessment of Motor Nerve Conduction Velocity among Non-Diabetic, Diabetic Non-Smoker and Sub Groups of Diabetic Smoker.

Background: Neuropathy is one of the most common complications affecting individuals with diabetes mellitus. The best evidence indicates that the etiology of neuropathy is multifactorial and is a key area of current research. Hence, this study was undertaken to test the hypothesis of alteration in MNCV (motor nerve conduction velocity) of nerves before the actual manifestation of neuropathy in type II diabetic patients and also to analyze the effect of smoking on MNCV in diabetic subjects. Methods: In the present study, 120 diagnosed diabetics were taken as cases while 30 non diabetic healthy subjects were taken as controls. Case group was divided into diabetic non-smokers and diabetic smokers. Diabetic smokers were further subdivided into light, moderate and heavy smokers, according to smoking index. After detailed history and physical examination MNCV of median and ulnar nerve in upper limb and common peroneal nerve in lower limb was performed. Result: The MNCV of median and ulnar nerves in upper limb showed no significant bilateral decreased in diabetic non-smokers and subgroup of diabetic smokers when compared with control. However, there was a significant bilateral decrease in MNCV of common peroneal nerves in the lower limb of diabetic heavy smokers when compared with control. A negative, but statistically non-significant correlation was found between MNCV and smoking index. The decrease in MNCV was dependent on smoking index by 3%, 1%, 1%, 1%, 3% and 1% in median nerve (right), median nerve (left), ulnar nerve (right), ulnar nerve (left), common peroneal nerve (right) and common peroneal nerve (left) respectively. Conclusion: The present study indicates that MNCV is more resistant to hyperglycemia induced local metabolic and microvascular changes. However, the coalition of diabetes and smoking can augment their effects many folds and can lead to motor neuropathy, reiterating the fact that smoking itself is an independent risk factor for diabetic neuropathy.

Pulmonary function in advanced uncomplicated singleton and twin pregnancy / Função pulmonar em mulheres com gestação única ou gemelar avançada e sem complicações

Objective: Pregnancy brings about significant changes in respiratory function, as evidenced by alterations in lung volumes and capacities, which are attributable to the mechanical impediment caused by the growing foetus. This study was undertaken in order to identify changes in respiratory function during normal pregnancy and to determine whether such changes are more pronounced in twin pregnancy than in singleton pregnancy. Methods: Respiratory function was assessed in 50 women with twin pregnancies and in 50 women with singleton pregnancies (during the third trimester in both groups), as well as in 50 non-pregnant women. We measured the following pulmonary function test parameters: FVC; FEV1; PEF rate; FEV1/FVC ratio; FEF25-75%; and maximal voluntary ventilation. Results: All respiratory parameters except the FEV1/FVC ratio were found to be lower in the pregnant women than in the non-pregnant women. We found no significant differences between women with twin pregnancies and those with singleton pregnancies, in terms of respiratory function. Conclusions: Despite its higher physiological demands, twin pregnancy does not appear to impair respiratory function to any greater degree than does singleton pregnancy. .

Objetivo: A gravidez traz mudanças significativas na função respiratória, evidenciada por alterações nos volumes e capacidades pulmonares, que são atribuíveis ao impedimento mecânico causado pelo feto em crescimento. Este estudo foi realizado a fim de identificar alterações na função respiratória durante a gravidez normal e determinar se tais alterações são mais pronunciadas em gestação gemelar que em gestação única. Métodos: Foi avaliada a função respiratória de 50 mulheres com gestações gemelares e de 50 mulheres com gestações únicas (durante o terceiro trimestre em ambos os grupos), bem como de 50 mulheres não grávidas. Medimos os seguintes parâmetros de função pulmonar: CVF, FEV1, taxa do PFE, relação VEF1/CVF, FEF25-75% e ventilação voluntária máxima. Resultados: Todos os parâmetros, exceto a relação VEF1/CVF, foram menores nas mulheres grávidas do que nas mulheres não grávidas.Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre as mulheres com gestações gemelares e aquelas com gestações únicas em relação à função respiratória. Conclusões: Apesar das demandas fisiológicas maiores da gestação gemelar, essa não parece causar um comprometimento maior da função respiratória do que a gestação única. .