Evaluation of factors affecting peak expiratory flow in healthy adults: is it necessary to stand up?
BACKGROUND
Guidelines for the Diagnoses and Management of Asthma recommend that the peak flow meter should be used in a standing position.


OBJECTIVE
To determine whether the peak expiratory flow (PEF) varies with the position of the subject and to evaluate the impact of application of nose clip on PEF measurement.


METHODS
Using a Mini Wright Peak Flow Meter, the PEF was measured in 33 healthy adults in sitting and standing positions, with and without application of a nose clip. Each subject blew into the peak flow meter three times and best of the 3 blows was recorded.


RESULTS
The PEF was not significantly higher in standing than in sitting position. Application of nose clip had no significant impact on the PEF.


CONCLUSIONS
The position of the subject and application of nose clip has no significant impact on PEF measurement.
Vaswani
Ravi
R
Allergy and Asthma Clinical Center, Ellicott City, Maryland 21042, USA. drvaswani@comcast.net
Moy
Robert
R
Vaswani
Surender K
SK
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010366:Peak Expiratory Flow Rate / Q000502:physiology*; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology*; D012307:Risk Factors