The maximal expiratory flow-volume curve. Normal standards, variability, and effects of age

Am Rev Respir Dis. 1976 May;113(5):587-600. doi: 10.1164/arrd.1976.113.5.587.

Abstract

From a randomly selected population representative of the white population of Tucson, Ariz., satisfactory flow-volume data were obtained for 3,115 persons. Data from the 746 subjects who were totally free of symptoms or history of cardiorespiratory disease and who had never smoked were used in determining "normal" prediction equations for spirometric parameters and maximal expiratory flows. The maximal expiratory flow-volume curve showed considerable intersubject variability, but little change in shape of the mean maximal expiratory flow-volume curve was seen with advancing age when the effects of disease, insult, or injury were excluded.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aging*
  • Arizona
  • Child
  • Female
  • Forced Expiratory Flow Rates*
  • Forced Expiratory Volume
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases, Obstructive / epidemiology
  • Lung Volume Measurements
  • Male
  • Maximal Expiratory Flow-Volume Curves*
  • Maximal Midexpiratory Flow Rate
  • Middle Aged
  • Population Surveillance
  • Spirometry
  • Vital Capacity