Abstract

Background: Usefulness of any test is determined by the availability of suitable standards. Lung function parameters are dependent on multiple anthropometric, genetic, and environmental factors. Some of these effects can be transient; hence, updating of normative standards for pulmonary function test (PFT) parameters on a regular basis in every ethnically distinct society is of overriding importance. Aims and
Objective: To correlate lung function parameters [obtained from forced vital capacity (FVC) maneuver] with anthropometric variables and age, and to derive normative data for these parameters using the bestpossiblecombinationofindependentvariables.MaterialsandMethods:Thisisacross-sectionalstudyoflungfunctionina non-hospital-basedearlyadolescentmalepopulation.Itincluded91malechildrenintheagegroupof10–15years.Lungfunction parameters were obtained using a computerized spirometer with Fleisch-type pneumotachograph, which were subjected to correlational analysis with height, weight, and age. Regression analyses were performedfor PFTparameters by introducing age/ anthropometric data as independent variables.
Results: All PFT parameters except forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV )/FVC 1 showed positive correlation with height, weight and age. Regression analysis yielded that height alone (FEV and MEF25), age 1 alone (MEF50, MEF75, MMEF, and PEF), and age with height (FVC) contributed for the variance in these PFT parameters. Conclusion: Apopulation-,age-,andsex-specific linear predictionequations are presented forvarious PFT parameters based on the cross-sectional study conducted in an early adolescent male population from south India.