Analysis of Modified Medical Research Council scale and Baseline Dyspnea Index to evaluate Obesity related breathlessness.

Obesity is a chronic disease characterized by excessive accumulation of body fat on human body that causes damage to the individuals health and  is regarded as a public health concern^[1], Obesity is associated with many health consequences and overall reduction in quality of life. Dyspnea is very frequent chief complaint experienced by obese subjects. The Modified Medical Research council scale (mMRC) and Baseline Dyspnea Index (BDI), both have been used individually to assess dyspnea in respiratory related functional impairment. Our aim is to evaluate the two scales to assess dyspnea in obese individual, analyze it with obesity determining parameters like waist circumference, 6 minute walk distance and Rate of Perceived exertion. And to find out any association of these two scales. Cross sectional assessment study was designed, including apparently healthy obese individuals. Evaluation of dyspnea was carried out using mMRC and BDI in random order. Assessment of waist to hip ratio, 6 minute walk test was carried out. Non parametric correlation test used to determine relationship of mMRC and obesity. Scatterplot matrix was used to determine relationship of BDI and obesity. Association between two scales was analyzed using Spearman’s rho and gamma results. We concluded from our study Modified medical research council scale and Baseline Dyspnea Index can be used clinically to assess dyspnea in obese individuals. Modified medical research council scale and Baseline Dyspnea Index were moderately associated with each other.

Keywords: Dyspnea, Obesity, Modified Medical Research council scale, Baseline Dyspnea Index .