ASSOCIATION OF PEAK EXPIRATORY FLOW RATE WITH AGE AND HEIGHT AMONG MALAYSIAN ADULTS

Abstract

Peak expiratory flow rate is a person’s maximum flow produced during maximal force of expiration starting after a full inspiration. Subsequently, any respiratory disease such as asthma can be detected by comparing the readings with the normal. This study is aimed to determine the association between peak expiratory flow rate with age and height among normal adults in UniKL Royal College of Medicine Perak (UniKL RCMP). A cross-sectional study on association between peak expiratory flow rates was conducted among adults belonging to age group of 20-30 years and 40-50 years. All participants’ heights were measured using the calibrated standard clinic scale without shoes. Peak flow meter was used to measure the PEFR. Results were analyzed using ANOVA test and the Independent Sample t test. Peak expiratory flow rate decreased as the age advanced (49%). However, the decrease of PEFR with increase age was not statistically significant. But for the height, the peak expiratory flow rate increased as the height increased and it was statistically significant (30.5%). The results of our study conclude that age and height have effects on the peak expiratory flow rate among normal adults. Peak expiratory flow rate decreases as age increases. Height has a positive association with peak expiratory flow rate in individuals.