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Are race and sex differences in lung function explained by frame size? The CARDIA Study
D R Jacobs1, E T Nelson, A S Dontas
1University of Minnesota, School of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology, Minneapolis 55454.
The American Review of Respiratory Disease
|September 11, 1992
Summary
Lung function measures like forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) show race and sex differences. Detailed frame size adjustments confirm these disparities persist, highlighting complex factors influencing lung capacity.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Anthropometry
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Race and sex disparities in lung function are documented.
- Previous adjustments for height alone may not fully account for frame size variations.
- Understanding these differences is crucial for accurate physiological assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To standardize lung function measures (FVC and FEV1) using various anthropometric parameters.
- To investigate the impact of detailed frame size adjustments on race and sex differences in lung function.
- To determine the most effective anthropometric measures for standardizing lung function.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the CARDIA cohort (20-32 year olds, black and white men and women).
- Standardized FVC and FEV1 for standing height, sitting height, leg height, elbow breadth, and biacromial diameter.
- Analyzed the variance explained by height squared and a combination of other anthropometric measures.
Main Results:
- Height squared robustly standardized FVC and FEV1 across race and sex strata.
- Height explained 20-40% of lung function variance, varying by race and sex.
- Combined anthropometric measures improved explained variance in black men.
- Race and sex differences in lung function persisted after detailed frame size standardization.
Conclusions:
- Height squared is a strong standardizer for FVC and FEV1.
- Detailed anthropometric standardization minimally reduces observed race and sex differences in lung function.
- Race and sex differences in lung function are influenced by factors beyond simple frame size adjustments.