Indian Journal of Physiology
and Pharmacology

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Volume 58 - Number 2 April - 2014 (Current issue) ISSN 0019-5499

Effects of Age and Body Mass Index on Peak Expiratory Flow Rate
in Indian Population

Parveen Bhardwaj, Kumari Poonam, Kamlesh Jha and Mehar Bano


Abstract

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 (R 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.

 

How to cite this article : Parveen Bhardwaj, Kumari Poonam, Kamlesh Jha and Mehar Bano. Effects of Age and Body Mass Index on Peak Expiratory Flow Rate in Indian Population. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol 2014; 58(2) : 166-169