Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) in Relation to Selected Anthropometric Parameters in Healthy Adult Males of Kumaun Region of India: A Comparative Study

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.