[Acceptability criteria of spirometry in young workers]

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Function Testing
• Spirometry
• Respiratory Physiology

Context:

• Young adults (16-20 years) present unique physiological characteristics, falling between pediatric and adult classifications.
• Standard spirometry protocols may not be optimally defined for this demographic.
• Uncertainty exists regarding acceptable Forced Expiratory Time (FET) durations for reliable spirometry in adolescents and young adults.

Purpose:

• To determine acceptable Forced Expiratory Time (FET) durations for spirometry in individuals aged 16-20 years.
• To compare the repeatability of key spirometry parameters (Vext, DtPEF, FVC, FEV1) using different FET criteria (>3s vs. >6s).
• To investigate potential differences in repeatability based on sex and specific spirometry metrics.

Summary:

• A study involving 235 males and 187 females aged 16-20 compared spirometry results with FET >3s versus FET >6s.
• No significant differences in the repeatability of Vext, DtPEF, FVC, and FEV1 were observed between the two FET criteria.
• Significant differences were noted for weight in males and plateau time in both sexes, suggesting these metrics are sensitive to FET duration.

Impact:

• Spirometry results with FET between 3 and 6 seconds may be considered acceptable for young people aged 16-20.
• This research could lead to revised spirometry guidelines for adolescents and young adults.
• Wider acceptance of spirometry data may improve the diagnosis and monitoring of respiratory conditions in this age group.