Sex-based differences in lung functions of Saudi adults

Abstract

[Background] Sex-based differences in lung function are known. [Purpose] To investigate sex-based differences in ventilatory function among Saudi adults, and to relate it to their level of physical activity. [Subjects and Methods] Seventy healthy Saudi adult subjects (35 males and 35 females) participated in this study. Measurements of forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC%, and maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) were made. In addition, physical activity scores (MET-minutes/week) were measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). [Results] The studied parameters were significantly higher for males than for females. The female values were significantly lower even after the male values were adjusted to compensate for gender-based anatomical and physiological differences in lung capacity. The MET-minutes/week was significantly higher for males than for females, but it was not significantly correlated with the pulmonary function parameters of either gender. [Conclusions] There are sex-based differences in lung function parameters of Saudi adults, with higher values for males. This difference in lung function tests between the genders is greater than the known anatomical and physiological differences in the respiratory systems of males and females. Saudi males are more physically active than females but no significant correlation between pulmonary function parameters and physical activity score was found for either gender.