The effect of body compartments on lung function in childhood and adolescence

Abstract

Background: There is an association between body composition and lung function, assessed by spirometry, but the effects of body compartments on static lung volumes and its changes during lung growth remain to be explored. We aimed to investigate the association of appendicular lean mass, reflecting skeletal muscle mass, and fat mass on forced and static lung function measures in childhood and adolescence.

Methods: In total, 1489 children and adolescents (6-18 years) of the observational, longitudinal (first and second visit within 4 years), general population-based LEAD study have been investigated. The association of appendicular lean mass and fat mass indices (ALMI and FMI; assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) on lung function by spirometry (FEV₁, FVC) and body plethysmography (TLC, RV, FRC) was investigated cross-sectionally. Longitudinal associations between lung function and body compartment changes between the two visits were analyzed.

Findings: The ALMI is positively associated with FEV₁, FVC, and TLC. Contrary, FMI is inversely associated with lung function measures including FRC and RV. During the phase of lung growth, higher gain in muscle mass is associated with higher increases of FVC and TLC.

Interpretation: This study demonstrates the different effects of muscle and fat mass on forced expiratory and static lung volumes. Achieving and maintaining muscle mass in childhood and adolescence might become an important preventive strategy for lung health in adulthood.

Keywords: Adolescents; Appendicular lean mass; Children; Fat mass; Lung function; Muscle mass.