Maximum expiratory flow in young university students

Abstract

Objectives: a) to determine the differences of the FEM by stature and by sex and b) to relate the FEM with anthropometric variables in university students.

Methodology: The study was descriptive and comparative. The subjects of the study were selected for convenience (non-probabilistic). We invited 747 young university students, 310 women and 437 men between the ages of 18 to 27.99 years. Weight, height and body mass index were calculated. The Maximum FEM Expiratory Flow was evaluated.

Results: Men showed higher WFF in relation to women. In both sexes, positive correlations were observed. In women they were significant for weight and height (r = 0.215 to 0.354), while in women, it was only significant in height (r = 0.237).

Conclusion: There were differences between both sexes and height and body weight play a relevant role on the PEF. These results follow that adequate levels of weight and height evidences positive associations with the FEM.

Keywords: Youth; Expiratory flow; Anthropometry.