Comparison of Peak Expiratory Flow Rate and BMI Between Yogic and Sedentary Population in Rajshahi City

Background: Peak expiratory flow rate, or PEFR, is one of the most crucial pulmonary function tests. It is accurately evaluated with a spirometer and serves as a predictor of life expectancy. Healthy people who practice yoga have better respiratory efficiency, and it can be a vital component of a balanced lifestyle. Methods: This cross-sectional type of comparative study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Rajshahi Medical College, Rajshahi over a period of one year from July 2022 to June 2023 among 30-50 years aged male and female who were the resident of Rajshahi City. A semi-structured questionnaire and Spirometer were used to gather information from 260 respondents, among them 130 were yogic and 130 were sedentary workers. Results: Out of 260 respondents, the mean age of the yogic respondents was 36.59 ± 4.46 years and the sedentary worker respondents was 37.41 ± 5.01 years. The mean BMI of the sedentary workers was higher than the yogic respondents and it was statistically significant. Yogic respondents had higher PEFR value than the sedentary worker and it was statistically highly significant (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study emphasized the need of change our sedentary lifestyle and practice of yoga on regular basis irrespective of age and gender.