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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Procedure for Lung Engineering

Procedure for Lung Engineering

Published on: March 8, 2011

Lung function in our aging population.

Wolfgang Marek¹, E M Marek, K Mückenhoff

¹Institute for Occupational Physiology, Augusta-Kranken-Anstalt, Bergstr. 23, 44791 Bochum, Germany. Wolfgang.Marek@ruhr-uni-bochum.de

European Journal of Medical Research

|April 14, 2011

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Current lung function reference values may be outdated. This study found lung function in younger Caucasians is higher than ECCS standards, with a steeper decline in older adults. New reference values are needed.

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Published on: June 20, 2025

Area of Science:

Pulmonary Medicine
Respiratory Physiology
Public Health

Background:

Anthropometric data and chronological age of Caucasian populations have changed significantly over the past five decades.
Existing European Community for Steel and Coal (ECCS) reference values for lung function were established in the 1960s.
Extrapolation of ECCS values for elderly and smaller individuals may be inaccurate, questioning their validity for current populations.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the continued relevance of established European Community for Steel and Coal (ECCS) reference values for lung function.
To assess current lung function parameters in a contemporary Caucasian population.
To determine if updated reference values are necessary for accurate clinical and occupational assessments.

Main Methods:

Lung function tests, including static lung volumes and flow-volume curves, were conducted using pneumotachography.
262 asymptomatic, non-smoking males aged 20 to 90 years participated in the study.
Measurements were taken using MasterLab or PneumoScreen systems, and results were compared against ECCS, SAPALDIA, and LuftiBus reference values.

Main Results:

Lung function parameters, such as forced vital capacity (FVC), were described by linear functions of height and age.
Mean FVC was 104.7% of ECCS values in younger subjects and 96.5% in older subjects.
Age-related decline in lung function was steeper than predicted by ECCS values, while height-based regressions aligned with ECCS prescriptions.

Conclusions:

Contemporary lung function values in younger Caucasians exceed ECCS reference values.
A steeper age-related decline in lung function was observed compared to ECCS predictions.
A multi-center study is recommended to establish contemporary reference values for lung function across diverse age groups.