A comparison of respiratory function, exercise capacity, and quality of life in electrostatic polyester powder paint workers and healthy people

Şırayder U. A comparison of respiratory function, exercise capacity, and quality of life in electrostatic polyester powder paint workers and healthy people. Health Sciences Institute, Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Program, Master Thesis, Ankara, 2018. There is a limited study investigating the effects of electrostatic polyester powder paint (EPP) on human health. For this reason, this study was planned to investigate the effect of EPP exposure on lung function, exercise capacity and quality of life. The study included 54 paint workers who worked in EPP, co-operated with measurements and tests. The control group included 54 healthy individuals with no have health problem at similar age and sex to the experimental group. Lung function and respiratory muscle strength were measured using spirometer, handgrip and quadriceps muscle forces were evaluated using digital dynamometers, quality of life was assessed using the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), and exercise capacity was determined using the incremental shuttle walking test (ISWT). Using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), the physical activity levels of both groups were questioned. Exercise provocation test was used to evaluate bronchial hyperactivity. At the end of the study, the FEV1, FEV1/ FVC, PEF, and ISWT distance values were significantly lower in the EPP group compared to the control group (p<0.05). ΔFEV1 (%) values after EPT were higher than control group (p<0.05). The EPP group had a significant relationship between past work and ISWT and respiratory capacities (p<0.05). It was observed that exercise capacity and lung function were more affected from bronchospasm, and exercise capacity decreased and the EPP exposure increased with bronchial hyperactivity of EPP exposures. As a result, it was thought that the EPP may lead the development of occupational asthma, and there is a need to take necessary precautions at workplaces where EPP is used. Keywords: Respiratory function, Occupational pulmonary disease, Exercise capacity.