Influence of the ageing process on the resistive and reactive properties of the respiratory system.
BACKGROUND
In an increasingly old society, the study of the respiratory system changes and new techniques dedicated to older patients are of interest in physiologic studies as well as in the diagnosis of respiratory diseases.


OBJECTIVE
(1) To investigate the impact of ageing on the resistive and reactive properties of the respiratory system, and (2) to compare the easiness of accomplishment of spirometry and forced oscillation for assessing lung function.


METHODS
We conducted a cross-sectional study in which forced oscillation was used to investigate respiratory system resistive and reactive properties, while spirometry was used as a reference test to evaluate 80 normal subjects aged between 20 and 86 years. A questionnaire was used to evaluate the easiness of accomplishment of spirometry and forced oscillation.


RESULTS
There was a significant increase in the respiratory system resonance frequency (p<0.003) and a reduction in the mean reactance (p<0.004) with increasing age. Respiratory system resistance and dynamic compliance were not related to the ageing process. The easiness of accomplishment of forced oscillation measurements was greater than that of spirometry. This result was particularly relevant in subjects over 70 years old (p<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Respiratory system resistance and dynamic compliance are not modified with ageing. On the other hand, respiratory system homogeneity decreases during the ageing process. Forced oscillation is easy to perform and provides information complementary to spirometry. This technique may be a promising alternative and/or complement to other conventional exams used to evaluate older people who are unable to adequately perform spirometric tests.
Tramont
Caio Vinicius Villalón e
CV
Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro - Rio de Janeiro/RJ, Brazil. caio.tramont@gmail.com
Faria
Alvaro Camilo Dias
AC
Lopes
Agnaldo José
AJ
Jansen
José Manoel
JM
Melo
Pedro Lopes de
PL
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D012143:Respiratory Physiological Phenomena; D013147:Spirometry / Q000592:standards; D055815:Young Adult