DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sajb.2025.v13i08.020

Pages: 1273-1278

Ventilatory function tests, such as PEFR, provide a better understanding of lung changes from a diagnostic perspective. The European Respiratory Society has defined the PEFR as the maximal flow achieved during expiration and delivered with maximal force, starting from the level of maximal lung inflation, following the maximal inspiration expressed in liters/min. Factors such as age, sex, body surface area, Body mass index (BMI), posture, physical activity, ethnicity, etc, can influence Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) as well as vital capacity. Material and methods: Healthy medical students (18-25 years) were enrolled in the study. PEFR was assessed using a Helios 702 spirometer. The data were analyzed statistically. Results: This study aimed to investigate the variations in Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) based on gender and height. The findings revealed significant differences in PEFR values between males and females, with males exhibiting better lung function (mean PEFR = 8.33 ± 1.40) compared to females (mean PEFR = 6.19 ± 1.10), likely due to physiological differences such as lung volume and muscle mass. In terms of height, a positive correlation was observed, with taller individuals (≥170 cm) showing the highest mean PEFR (9.02 ± 1.71), indicating superior lung function associated with greater stature. PEFR values also improved progressively with increasing height, suggesting that taller individuals tend to have larger lung volumes and better respiratory capacity. These findings support the hypothesis that both gender and height significantly influence PEFR values, with males and taller individuals demonstrating superior lung function.