Respiratory muscle strength in individuals with obesity before and after gastric bypass surgery: A 3 year follow-up study

Relevance: Literature linking body weight loss and maximum respiratory pressures is not consensual. Purpose: To evaluate the maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and the maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) in patients with obesity, before and after gastric bypass surgery, and to compare them to a control group. Methods: 30 participants with obesity (24F/6M) aged 32±9 yrs and with body mass index (BMI) of 43±4 kg/m2, were evaluated before and one, six and around 36 months after surgery. 30 participants matched by age (31±8 yrs) and sex with normal lung function and BMI of 22±2 kg/m2 were assessed. An analogic manovacuometer was used to measure MIP and MEP. Student's t-test and ANOVA for repeated measures were used for stastical analysis (p < 0.05). This study was approved by the Ethics Committee. Results: Table 1 summarizes the results. View this table: Table 1. MIP and MEP in patients with obesity before and after surgery and a control group There were no significant differences at baseline between the two groups. MIP increased significantly approximately 36 months after surgery. MEP decreased after one month and increased significantly after 36 months compared with one and six months after surgery. Conclusion: The results demonstrate a positive influence of gastric bypass surgery on respiratory muscle strength.