| Abstract |
Introduction: Physical activity is a cost effective way to decrease obesity and life style related health problems since it possess potential for having a major public health impact. The aim of the present study was to assess the influence of patterns of physical activity on cardio respiratory problems. Methodology: The study was carried out among 108 females and 100 males aged between 30-65 years from north India.Subjects enrolled in the study were suffering from one or more symptoms of metabolic syndrome and were advised brisk walk and to perform yoga (Hatha yoga) by their physicians. After assessing their activity status using standardized proforma, two groups were formed, one who were doing regular exercise (5 days/week) as advised and others who were not doing the exercise regularly. Only those who gave informed written consent were included in the study. Anthropometric and physiological measurements were taken using standard techniques. Fat percentage was assessed by bio electrical impedance technique. Dynamic respiratory functions were taken using portable spirometer. The two groups were compared for various markers of metabolic syndrome and respiratory functions. Result: Weight, BMI, fat percentage and waist circumference showed significant difference between two groups among both males and females. For respiratory functions (FEV1.0, FVC and PEFR), females showed significant values (p<0.001).Conclusion: Physical activity would regulate the symptoms of metabolic syndrome and respiratory functions if regular exercise or activity is undertaken. Improvement was found among those who were regular in their exercise as compared to those who were not so.
KEYWORDS:physical activity, metabolic syndrome, fat percentage, respiratory functions, blood pressure. |
