DOI: 10.21276/sasjm.2019.5.7.4

Pages: 108-110

Objective: To study the variations in Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) among Males and Females with respect to age, body mass index, blood pressure and heart rate in healthy young individuals. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among young male and female subjects. The subjects with no history of cardio, availability & capacity to cooperate adequately, non- smokers; and no history of any drug intake which could affect the lung functioning were included in the study. PEFR was measured with the subject comfortably seated during the same time of the day for all subjects. It was determined in litres/minute with the help of “The Peak”, Individualised Peak flow meter from Multispiro Inc. Results: Out of the total subjects 143 subjects, 44.1% were ≤18 years followed by 19-20 (41.3%) and >20 (14.7%). There were 38.5% males and 61.5% females. PEFR was found to be significantly (p=0.0001) higher among males compared to females in all the age groups. PEFR increased with increasing age in both male and female subjects. PEFR was found to be significantly (p<0.0) higher among males compared to females in the entire body mass index (BMI) category. PEFR increased with increasing BMI in both male and female subjects. Conclusion: PEFR is higher among male than female subject. Also, PEFR was higher in males than females in all the age groups and BMI status. PEFR increases with increase in age and BMI in both male and female subjects.