Is it Proper to Assess Pulmonary Functions from Chest Measurements?

This study attempted to correlate chest expansion with pulmonary function values. Height, weight, biacromial breadth and chest expansion at 2 sites, axilla (A) & xiphoid (X) were measured in 59 male & 48 female medical students in the age group of 17 to 21 years. Pulmonary functions were measured using a computerized spirometer. A significant positive correlation between FVC, FEV0.5, FEV1, FEF25 %, FEF50 % and biacromial breadth was seen in males whereas a significant positive correlation between FVC, FEF25 %, FEF50 % and unexpanded (UE) as well as expanded (E) chest measurements in males was inferred from the observations. A significant positive correlation between PEFR & biacromial breadth as well as expanded & unexpanded chest measurements was evident in females. FEF25 %-75 %, the most sensitive parameter indicating early airway obstruction has no correlation with chest expansion in both males & females. These results prove the need to review the practice of depending upon routine chest measurements as a determinant of lung function.