ABSTRACT
Pulmonary function parameters are the most important and widely used exploratory tool in respiratory disorders. Most of the studies on these parameters describe lung capacities and flow rates in terms of absolute values. There are various equations to derive the predicted values of these parameters. Most of these equations are framed for Caucasian, American or Africans, but are frequently used in Indian subjects. There are very few equations for Indian subjects, which are also region specific. Hence, the present study was undertaken to compare the various regression equations for calculating predicted parameters in North Indian subjects. We used eight regression equations which are frequently used for calculating predicted values. The data of 75 Indian healthy subjects was used in these equations for comparison. The regression equations provided predicted value of pulmonary function parameters which varied markedly (0.24-123%) based on type of regression formula used. The closet seems to be Chatterjee and Vijayan equation. The anthropometric variable used in these equations can have a lot of bearing on the predicted values. However, based on literature and our experience of using eight regression equations, we found that none of these is perfectly suited for North Indian subjects.
ABSTRACT
There is an increase in proportion of workers suffering from occupational diseases. In occupational respiratory diseases, pulmonary function tests are the most important and widely used diagnostic tool. Limited studies have been conducted to evaluate the effect of wool dust on pulmonary function parameters. Hence, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the pulmonary function parameters in workers of woolen industry. This study was done on 150 subjects of either gender who were divided into two groups of 75 each. Group I comprised of healthy subjects who served as controls and group II included workers of woolen industry. The values of lung function parameters i.e. volumes and flow rates in these workers were found to be lower than the healthy controls. The significant reduction in percentage predicted values of FEV1 (82 vs 59), FVC (79 vs 63) and MVV (77 vs 64) in workers as compared to healthy controls indicates obstructive pattern of respiratory abnormality. In male workers, percentage predicted FEV1% was significantly lower. The values of all other parameters were lower in female workers. There was a significant decrease in FEV1 and FVC with increase in age in group I and this negative correlation was statistically significant. The decrease in respiratory volumes and flow rates was more with increase in duration of exposure to wool dust. It can be concluded that wool dust present in environment of woolen industry affected the pulmonary function parameters of the workers leading to obstructive pattern of respiratory changes.
ABSTRACT
Physical exercise provides multiple benefits to an individual. However, the beneficial effect of exercise on psychomotor performance remains controversial. The present study was undertaken to determine the effect of aerobic exercise on auditory reaction time (ART) and visual reaction time (VRT). Fifty subjects were enrolled consisting of healthy subjects who were not exercising (n=25; group I) and subjects doing regular aerobic exercisers (n=25; group II). ART and VRT were recorded using digital display response time apparatus equipped with three lights (red, green and yellow) and three auditory stimuli (low, medium and high pitched sounds). The mean VRT of group II subjects (318.24±6.709) was significantly lower than that of group I (505.73±16.961) (P<0.001). The mean ART of group II subjects (313.33±8.160) was significantly lower than that of group I (573.09±17.950) (P<0.001). Auditory and visual reaction times are better in aerobic exercisers as compared to non-exercisers irrespective of age and gender.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The success of any teaching programme lies in planning a curriculum which allows the students to gain maximum meaningful knowledge in the short span of time available. To achieve this goal, it is very important to have adequate communication between teachers and students. The students undoubtedly are in the best position to comment on the effectiveness of any teaching system and they may be regarded as the best judges to assess the teaching and evaluation methods. Objectives: This study was designed to obtain feedback on teaching and evaluation methods in the subject of physiology from the students of two successive batches, after passing their first professional undergraduate medical examination. Method: A written questionnaire covering topics on various teaching and evaluation methods was used to get feedback from students. Conclusion: Students were satisfied with all teaching methods except vertical integrated seminars. Majority of the students showed preference for grand stage, short answer questions and revision cum self study. Practical demonstrations were found to be useful. All students felt that there should be more time for revision and self study.
ABSTRACT
Incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD) increases sharply after menopause in women. Rate pressure product (RPP) is a major determinant of cardiac oxygen consumption. It is an important indicator of ventricular function. RPP varies with exercise. The peak rate pressure product (PRPP) which gives an accurate reflection of the myocardial oxygen demand and myocardial workload is the RPP at peak of exercise. The higher the PRPP, the more will be myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO2). The ability to reach higher PRPP is associated with more adequate coronary perfusion. Thus the low value of PRPP suggests significant compromise of coronary perfusion and decreased left ventricular function. In the present study effect of exercise on RPP of pre and postmenopausal women with CAD was compared. The percentage increase in RPP was significantly more in postmenopausal women with CAD (62%) as compared to premenopausal women with CAD (54%) indicating more compromised coronary perfusion in postmenopausal women.