A study of deterioration of pulmonary function parameters among smokers and recovery among ex-smokers in bus depot workers.

Smoking has deleterious effects on Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) parameters; however, evidences about recovery in ex-smokers are ambiguous. Therefore present study was conducted to quantify relative deterioration of PFT parameters and to assess reversibility of the same. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 84 bus-depot workers consisting of equal number of smokers, ex-smokers and non-smokers. PFT observations were obtained using Medspiror following standard methods and precautions. Comparisons among three groups were performed employing one-way ANOVA and post-hoc tests. There were substantial effects of smoking on PFT parameters (deterioration was up-to half). Partial recovery was found in all the parameters of ex-smokers. Frequency and duration of smoking were negatively correlated with some of the parameters. In conclusion, present study has demonstrated considerable deterioration of PFT parameters in smokers and indications of recovery in ex-smokers. Further detailed study with larger sample size and stricter definition of ex-smokers is recommended.

Blood pressure responses to steady treadmill exercise in overweight and obese young adults.

Overweight and obesity are major risk factors for chronic diseases. There exists an autonomic imbalance in these persons. The blood pressure response to exercise is an useful method to evaluate cardiac status. Hence this project was undertaken to study the blood pressure responses to steady treadmill exercise in overweight and obese persons. The study was carried out on 85 young healthy adults (Normal weight = 30, Overweight = 25 and Obese = 30) in the age group of 18-22 yrs. Steady dynamic exercise test was done on treadmill for 5 mins. Blood pressure and Pulse rate were recorded before, during 3rd min of exercise, immediately after cessation of exercise and after 5 mins of recovery. Statistical analysis was done using one way ANOVA followed by post-hoc tests for between group comparisons. The resting blood pressure was higher in overweight and obese group when compared to normal group. There was increased systolic pressure response to exercise in study groups where as the diastolic pressure decreased during exercise. Heart rate response was also higher in study groups. Over weight and obese young adults had elevated resting blood pressure and showed increased response to steady exercise which could be due to alterations in the autonomic activity in these persons.