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Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Background The role of estrogen in pulmonary function test (PFT) is well known in the normal course of the menstrual cycle. A significant increase in both progesterone (37%) and estradiol (13.5%) was observed in exercising women in previous studies, whereas no change in plasma follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone was observed. Therefore, this study was intended to see the limitations of the pulmonary system in adaptability to exercise in the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle in obese and nonobese women. Participants and methods Healthy young women aged between 19 and 25 years and in the proliferative phase of their menstrual cycle leading a sedentary lifestyle were considered in the study group. Ten women in each group were studied on the basis of their BMI. They underwent treadmill exercise testing and computerized spirometry for assessment of their dynamic lung functions. Results It was observed that exercise per se does not cause a statistically significant change in dynamic lung function parameters - maximum mid expiratory flow (MMEF), peak expiratory flow rate, and mid expiratory flow 25-75% - in either of the groups. Conclusion This finding supports the hypothesis that the respiratory system is not normally the most limiting factor in the delivery of oxygen even under the predominant influence of estrogen in the proliferative phase, which is further accentuated by exercise, and obesity, at least borderline, does not have much influence on respiratory system adaptability.

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