Association between Anthropometric Measures and Pulmonary Function: Exploring the Need of Athlete-specific Spirometric Measures

A bstrAct Background: In contrast to general population, athletes demonstrate enhanced cardiovascular functions and thus higher spirometric values, which necessitates the need of spirometric measures typically specific to athletes, which could avert misdiagnosis of certain respiratory dysfunction in them. Addressing this issue, the present study conducted in athletes vis-à-vis nonathletes assessed their anthropometric measures and pulmonary function parameters and explored for association, if any. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken in athletes vis-à-vis nonathletes. Respondents were screened for risk factors and were then assessed for their anthropometric measures including height, weight, body circumferences, fat level, skeletal muscle, and skinfold thickness. Pulmonary function test was then conducted in all respondents. Results: Mean anthropometric measures including body mass index, body fat percentage, waist circumference, waist–hip ratio, and skinfold thickness were on a slightly higher mark for nonathletes. Spirometric indices were on a bit higher grades for athletes’ group. However, consistent negative association was noted between increased anthropometric measures and pulmonary functions. Conclusion: Standardizing higher level of normalcy in spirometric indices for athletes may be considered to avoid misdiagnosis or misclassification of certain respiratory dysfunctions in them. between Anthropometric Measures and Pulmonary Function: Exploring the Athlete-specific