title: Are measurements of chest expansion and peak expiratory flow rate worthwhile in assessing candidates for life assurance?
abstract: Measurements of chest expansion (CE) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were taken in 117 subjects for life assurance medical examinations in 1989. The results for both values were significantly greater in males than in females, but there was no significant correlation between them in either males or females. Seventy-four per cent of the subjects were accepted as average assurance risks and 26% were below average. However, there was no significant difference between CE and PEFR in the two groups and smoking appeared to have no influence. The reasons for not accepting subjects as average risk are tabulated and it is concluded that CE and PEFR are not helpful in assessing candidates for life assurance.
authors.affiliation: Trafford District Hospitals, Manchester.
authors.forename: C D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Pengelly
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000886:Anthropometry; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007352:Insurance, Life; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010366:Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000503:physiopathology; D013909:Thorax / Q000033:anatomy & histology*