EXPIRATORY PEAK FLOW RATE - STANDARD VALUES FOR NORMAL SUBJECTS - USE AS A CLINICAL TEST OF VENTILATORY FUNCTION

Abstract

Formulas for the prediction of normal values of peak flow rates for men and women are given which are based on examination of 105 normal men and 50 normal women. Peak flow rates and other parameters were also measured in 117 male patients with various cardiopulmonary diseases. It was found that, in patients with restrictive ventilatory defects, the mean peak flow was 70.5% of predicted; in obstructive ventilatory defects, 58.5% of predicted; and in the combined ventilatory defects, 38.3% of predicted.