Association of lung function and body composition in patients with metabolic syndrome

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome (MS) has become more common relating to changes of body composition (BC) in sedantary lifestyle. Aim: The purpose of the study was to evaluate whether BC is associated with lung function (LF) in MS. Methods: The BC including body mass index (BMI), fat free mass (FFM), body fat (BF) and body fat percentage (BF%) was evaluated with bioelectrical impedance analysis. MIP, MEP and LF were assessed with spirometry and body plethysmography. The participants completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and performed a 6-minute walk test (6MWT). Results: Of the 29 subjects (mean age: 44.03±9.7 years) in this study, 11 (37.9%) were inactive and 18 (62.1%) were minimal active. The BMI was correlated with IC (p=0.005), and negatively with FVC (p=0.031), FEV1 (p=0.025), 6MWT (p=0.017). There were positive associations of FFM with %MIP (p=0.040), MEP (p=0.033), VC (p=0.000), FVC (p=0.000), FEV1 (p=0.000), MEF75 (p=0.000), MEF50 (p=0.000) and 6MWT (p=0.003). The BF was adversely related to TLC (p=0.007), FVC (p=0.029), FEV1 (p=0.022) and 6MWT (p=0.028). The %BF was also negatively correlated to MIP (p=0.001), MEP (p=0.041), TLC (p=0.000), VC (p=0.000), IC (p=0.011), FVC (p=0.000), FEV1 (p=0.000), MEF75 (p=0.001), MEF50 (p=0.004), MEF25-75 (p=0.023) and 6MWT (p=0.000). Conclusions: We found significant negative relationships between the different parameters of lung function with body composition, physical activity level and functional capacity in subjects with metabolic syndrome. The negative effects ofsedentary lifestyle on body composition can be reduced increasing physical activity. Therefore, lung function and functional capacity can be improved.