A comparative study of peak expiratory flow rate and anthropometry in college students of same age group

Author(s): Swati Jangam*, Sangeeta Tuppad D., R. H. Taklikar

Abstract

Peak expiratory flow rate is a simple parameter for assessing the lung functions. Lung functions are affected by age, height, weight, chest circumference, socioeconomic factors and environmental factors. Present study was carried out to study variation in peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) in relation to anthropometry in college students of same age group and to compare PEFR in male and female students of same age group. 50 male and 50 female healthy and non-smoker students between age group 17 to 22 years were selected for the study. PEFR was measured in standing position using mini Wright’s flow meter. Chest circumference measured at the level of nipples. Statistical analysis done by Pearson’s coefficient correlation. PEFR in female students was between 300 liters/min to 396 liters/min and in male students it was 450 liters/min to 620 liters/min. PEFR was more in male students than in female students of same age group. PEFR increased as height, weight, chest circumference increased. Variations seen in PEFR are due to sex related variation and also variation in built of the subjects, which is also affected by food culture and environmental factors.

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