Average Values for Basal Respiratory Functions in Adolescents and Adults

Abstract

We have tested a group of fifty male and fifty female adolescents, and a group of forty-six adult males and forty adult females; and have recorded the respiratory rate, the respiratory volume per minute, the tidal volume, the oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations in the expired air, the oxygen consumption and the alveolar carbon dioxide tension. We have found evidence for growth changes over the adolescent period in certain respiratory functions, such as CO₂ and O₂ content of expired air, alveolar CO₂ tension and tidal volume, which have not been reported before. These measurements may serve as normal figures in the age groups from 10 to 20 years. We have pointed out some of the criteria of hyperventilation.