Physiological association of the breakpoint with the duration of hyperventilation

• Published in: Saudi medical journal 2023-10, Vol.44 (10), p.995-999
• Main Authors: Sadiqa, Ayesha, Khalid, Ambreen, Islam, Abdullah
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Age; Analysis; Body mass index; Confidence intervals; Dependent variables; Health aspects; Hyperventilation; Independent variables; Physiological aspects; Physiology; Population; Pulmonary ventilation; Regression analysis; Risk factors; Young adults
• ISSN: 0379-5284; 1658-3175
• DOI: 10.15537/smj.2023.44.10.20230358

Objectives: To determine the relationship of body mass index (BMI) with breath-holding time (BHT) as well as that of BHT with the duration of hyperventilation (DOH) in young healthy adults. Methods : An observational study was performed at Shalamar Medical and Dental College, Lahore, Pakistan, between May 2021 and June 2022. Healthy first-year Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery students aged 18-22 years, with a normal BMI were included. Spirometric measurements were taken through a spirometer pod connected to a pneumotachometer (model: Power Lab 26T). Body mass index was calculated as the weight (kg) to height ([m.sup.2]) ratio. Pearson correlation, linear regression, and t tests were applied using SPSS. Results: A total of 101 subjects participated, comprising of 44 men and 57 women. A weak negative association was found between BMI and BHT in all subjects (r= -0.08, />=0.34), in men (r= -0.24, p=0.11), and in women (r= -0.092, p=0.497). Furthermore, a strong association was observed between BHT and DOH in all subjects (r=0.64, p=0.000), in men (r=0.604, p=0.000), and in women (r=0.518, p=0.000). Moreover, a nonsignificant weak inverse linear regression was found between the BMI and BHT of all subjects ([beta]= -0.087, p=0.38), of men ([beta]= -0.241, p=0.11), and of women ([beta]= -0.092,p=0.49). Lastly, a significantly strong positive regression was observed between the BHT and DOH of all subjects ([beta]=0.637, p=0.000), of men ([beta]=0.604, p=0.000), and of women ([beta]=0.518, p=0.000). Conclusion: No association was found between BMI and BHT. A strong positive association was observed between BHT and DOH in all healthy young people. Keywords: breath-holding, body mass index, hyperventilation, maximal voluntary ventilation, breathing capacity, young adults [phrase omitted]