Published Paper Details:

Respiratory muscle strength (RMS) is responsible for respiratory mechanics and is measured as MEP (Maximum expiratory pressure) and MIP (Maximum inspiratory pressure). Increment in MIP and MEP are probably due to deposition of fat around the chest making chest region stiff. The respiratory muscles in obese individuals are inefficient, and of low endurance. In undernourished, the lower absolute lean body mass leads to poor respiratory muscle strength and reduces lung functions. The cross-sectional comparative study was conducted on 40 healthy young individuals of age group 18-25 years. Initial assessment of the study group was done which included demographic data, height, weight, MIP, MEP (predicted). MEP and MIP (actual) was measured with the subject seated. For results unpaired t test was used and MIP values are extremely significant with p value of 0.0001 in underweight individuals and MIP values are very significant with p value of 0.0100 in obese individuals. This study concludes that the inspiratory muscle strength is reduced in underweight and obese healthy young individuals.