Spirometric standards for noraml children and adolescents (ages 5 years through 18 years).

A completely automated method of on-line computerized spirometry was used to measure the forced vital capacity, one-second forced expiratory volume, maximal expiratory flow, and maximal midexpiratory flow of 482 healthy, normal boys and 468 healthy, normal girls, aged 5 years through 18 years. The age, height, and weight of each subject were recorded, and the cube of the height, the body surface area, and the ratio of one-second forced expiratory volume to forced vital capacity were calculated. Means, standard deviations, and correlation coefficients were calculated for each variable. The children were separated by sex and classified on the basis of height (two-inch intervals). Means and standard deviations are presented for each height group (42 inches through 78 inches). Data from a previous study of adults are also included. Height was a more reliable index of pulmonary development than age. In children less than 60 inches tall, values of the spirometric measurements were very similar for boys and girl...