Related Experiment Videos
Spirometric values for normal Perth children aged six to twelve years
Insights
This study established spirometric norms for Perth children aged 6-12 years, using anthropometric data to predict lung function. Height and mass were key predictors for forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1).
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Respiratory Physiology
- Anthropometry
Background:
- Establishing accurate spirometric reference values is crucial for diagnosing pediatric respiratory conditions.
- Existing spirometric norms may not fully represent diverse pediatric populations.
- Anthropometric measurements are known to correlate with lung function parameters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To construct tables and nomograms of spirometric norms for children aged 6-12 years in Perth.
- To base these norms on anthropometric measurements (height, mass, arm span) and age.
- To evaluate the correlation between ventilatory parameters and anthropometric data.
Main Methods:
- Spirometry was performed on 556 children (289 boys, 267 girls) aged 6-12 years using a dry spirometer.
- Measured parameters included Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1), and Forced Mid-Expiratory Flow (FMF).
- Correlation coefficients were calculated between ventilatory parameters and anthropometric measurements; multiple regression analysis was employed.
Main Results:
- High correlations were observed between FVC, FEV1 and height, mass, arm span, and age in both sexes.
- Moderately high correlations were found between FMF and these anthropometric measures.
- Height was the best single predictor; height plus mass provided the best prediction for FVC and FEV1 (both sexes) and FMF (girls).
Conclusions:
- Spirometric norms derived from anthropometric data (height, mass) can reliably predict lung function in children.
- The established tables and nomograms provide valuable tools for assessing pediatric respiratory health.
- Ventilatory values showed minimal differences compared to European and Eastern Australian children, suggesting broader applicability of the norms.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to construct tables and nomograms of spirometric norms for Perth children aged between six and 12 years. These norms were to be based on anthropometric measurements and age. A sample of 623 children was tested of which 556 were analysed and comprised 289 boys and 267 girls. All testing was carried out in the child's own school. The spirograms were recorded with a dry spirometer from which the FVC, FEV1, and FMF were measured. Correlation coefficients were established between each of these ventilatory parameters and anthropometric measurements of height, mass, arm span and age. The findings of the study revealed high correlations for both boys and girls between ventilatory parameters of FVC and FEV1 and height, mass, arm span and age. Moderately high correlations were found for both sexes between FMF and height, mass, arm span and age. Height correlated best with each of these ventilatory measures. It was also established that significant improvement in some correlations was obtained when anthropometric values were used in multiple correlation analysis. The use of height plus mass proved to be best when predicting FVC and FEV, for boys and girls, and for predicting FMF of girls. FMF for boys could be best predicted by using height alone. The limits of normality for ventilatory parameters of FVC, FEV1 and FMF were found to be best defined by the per cent standard error of the estimate. Tables and nomograms were established from regression and multiple regression equations in order to predict normal values in children. The findings of this study revealed that little difference existed between the ventilatory values of children tested in Perth, Europe and the Eastern States of Australia. However, the differences that were found to exist could be due to the age group which was sampled or possible environmental and genetic differences.