RESUMO
Background: PEF is a reasonably good measure of ventilatory function. It varies with various anthropometric parameters, geographical location of the subjects as well as various disease processes. Objective: To assess the relationship between PEF and certain selected anthropometric parameters and to devise prediction equation based upon these parameters. Materials and Methods: Three hundred healthy male adults in the age group of 18-60 years have been assessed for PEF using Wright Peak Flow Meter. Results: In the age group ≤ 40 years, PEF was on the average greater than in the age group > 40 years. Prediction equations were derived for PEF dependent on age and height in <40 age group and age and weight in >40 years age group. Conclusion: PEF appears to decline with advancing age, and to increase with height in younger subjects and weight in older subjects.
RESUMO
Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) is a measure of ventilatory capacity measured by peak flow meter. It is regarded as a basic physiological parameter for the diagnosis, follow up and treatment of patients with respiratory illnesses such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. This study establishes the relationship of PEFR with age and BMI in healthy adult males (N=300) of Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. Overall, the mean PEFR is 478.37±68.14. The age is significantly affecting the PEFR unlike BMI. Age as an independent predictor predicts the 72.3% variability (R2 is 72.3%)in PEFR while BMI > 23 as an independent predictor predicts only 1.4% variability (R2 is 0.014) .PEFR declines with advancing age due to degenerative changes in musculoskeletal system leading to decrease in respiratory muscle strength. PEFR shows some decline with high BMI in elderly age group.