Anthropometrics, pulmonary function tests and physical activity evaluation
Body weight and height, and circumferences of the neck, waist, and hip were measured. Body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio were also calculated. Pulmonary function tests were performed by using a computerised spirometer (Chestgraph HI-701; Chest MI Inc., Tokyo, Japan) with the subjects in a sitting position, according to the standardised procedure 12. The forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1/FVC ratio were recorded.
Physical activity was evaluated with a 7-day recall questionnaire, which was designed to determine calories expended on all activities during the previous 7-day period 13. The total energy expenditure was the sum of energy consumed by all activities.