Editorial: Physiology and Physiopathology of Breath-Holding Activity

Physiological association of the breakpoint with the duration of hyperventilation

OBJECTIVES

To determine the relationship of body mass index (BMI) with breath-holding time (BHT) as well as that of BHT with the duration of hyperventilation (DOH) in young healthy adults.

METHODS

An observational study was performed at Shalamar Medical and Dental College, Lahore, Pakistan, between May 2021 and June 2022. Healthy first-year Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery students aged 18-22 years, with a normal BMI were included. Spirometric measurements were taken through a spirometer pod connected to a pneumotachometer (model: Power Lab 26T). Body mass index was calculated as the weight (kg) to height (m2) ratio. Pearson correlation, linear regression, and t tests were applied using SPSS.

RESULTS

A total of 101 subjects participated, comprising of 44 men and 57 women. A weak negative association was found between BMI and BHT in all subjects (r= -0.08, p=0.34), in men (r= -0.24, p=0.11), and in women (r= -0.092, p=0.497). Furthermore, a strong association was observed between BHT and DOH in all subjects (r=0.64, p=0.000), in men (r=0.604, p=0.000), and in women (r=0.518, p=0.000). Moreover, a nonsignificant weak inverse linear regression was found between the BMI and BHT of all subjects (β= -0.087, p=0.38), of men (β= -0.241, p=0.11), and of women (β= -0.092, p=0.49). Lastly, a significantly strong positive regression was observed between the BHT and DOH of all subjects (β=0.637, p=0.000), of men (β=0.604, p=0.000), and of women (β=0.518, p=0.000).

CONCLUSION

No association was found between BMI and BHT. A strong positive association was observed between BHT and DOH in all healthy young people.