Comparative analysis of peak expiratory flow among sedentary elderly and physically active

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the peak expiratory flow (PEF) measurements between sedentary elderly people and those who practice regular physical activity relating them to variables such as gender, age, smoking habits, physical activity and socioeconomic factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study gathered 86 elderly people aged over 60 years old duly registered in the Family Health Program in Camacan city council, Bahia state. During the examination, the volunteers were instructed to perform their peak expiratory efforts starting with an inspiration at the level of inspiratory reserve volume. Three PEF measurements were performed with 1 minute intervals between them, considering for registration the most far-reaching measure, considering that measure was not the last, superior than 5% or surpassing 20 L/min the previous one. RESULTS: There was statistically significant relationship between gender and PEF (p=0,0012), and physical activity versus PEF (p=0,004). CONCLUSION: PEF values from evaluated people were related to gender and physically activity and not to the age or level tobacco addiction.