Pulmonary function testing in children with the airflometer.

Use of the airflometer (AFM) as an inexpensive apparatus for routine screening of pulmonary function has been hindered by the lack of established norms of AFM readings for young children. Using both the airflometer and the vitalograph, lung function was measured in 828 children, aged five to 11 years, randomly selected from six schools. Results indicate that girls aged five, 8-11 years have lower Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1, and AFM scores than boys. High correlations were observed between AFM units and FEV1 (0.93), between height and FEV1 (0.88), and between FVC (0.89) and AFM units (0.84). Regression equations are given to enable prediction of AFM from height and from age for boys and girls. Tables indicate scores that should be followed with further pulmonary function testing. A protocol is outlined to enable the airflometer to be used as a first level screening device.

Surfboard-riding injuries.

The results of a study aimed at determining the nature, rate, and cause of traumatic surfing injuries by gathering injury data directly from surfers rather than by retrospective analysis of hospital or first-aid station records are reported. Three hundred and forty-six surfers of varying ages, experience, and competence reported 337 injuries sustained over a two-year period. The most common injuries requiring medical attention or resulting in inability to surf were lacerations (41%) and soft-tissue injuries (35%). The high incidence of back and shoulder sprains and strains has not previously been reported. As the rate of moderate and severe injuries among the sample was calculated to be 3.5 injuries per 1000 surfing days, and because more than 25% of the lacerations were caused by the sharp fin, or by the tail, or by the nose of the surfboard, some safety modifications in board design or structure may be necessary.