Gender Difference in the Relationship between Extrapulmonary Factors and Reduced Lung Function in Early Adulthood

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine
• Sports Medicine and Physiology
• Biometrics and Body Composition Analysis

Background:

• Reduced lung function in early adulthood is linked to future health risks, with gender-specific associations requiring further exploration.
• Investigating extrapulmonary variables as potential screening markers for respiratory dysfunction in young adults is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine gender-specific relationships between lung function and extrapulmonary variables in young adults.
• To assess the utility of handgrip strength and bone mineral content as screening markers for respiratory dysfunction.

Main Methods:

• 151 medical students provided clinical data, handgrip strength (HS), body composition (SMI, WBPhA, BMC), and pulmonary function (VC, FVC, FEV1) measurements.
• Statistical analyses were performed to determine correlations between lung function and extrapulmonary variables, stratified by gender.

Main Results:

• Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) showed significant correlations with BMI, SMI, WBPhA, BMC, and HS across all participants.
• Gender-specific analysis revealed FEV1 had the strongest positive association with left HS in males and BMC in females.
• Left HS and BMC demonstrated good predictive value for identifying individuals in the lowest quartile of FEV1, with high sensitivity.

Conclusions:

• Gender-specific associations between intrapulmonary and extrapulmonary factors, specifically left HS in males and BMC in females, are identified.
• These factors show promise as valuable tools for screening suspected respiratory dysfunction in early adulthood.