Construction of anthropometric measuring chair (AMC) for lung function prediction

An anthropometric measuring chair (AMC) was constructed in order to predict lung function parameters (vital capacity--FVC and forced expiratory flow in the first second-FEV1) in normal Caucasian subjects. Design of a chair was aimed toward the fast and reliable recording of body dimensions, particularly of the human thorax. Static and dynamic measurements of thorax dimensions, arm span and sitting height were used to predict FVC and FEV1 with an accuracy better than standard prediction equations based only on body height and age. Computer program for automatic calculation of FVC and FEV1 according to prediction equations was constructed in VisualBasic 4.0 software. The prediction values for FVC and FEV1 based on anthropometric variables could be used in paraplegic, disproportional and handicapped individuals, where standard body height is unobtainable.