Ethnic variation in forced expiratory volume and forced vital capacity of African and Indian adults in Guyana

ABSTRACT

In Guyana, forced expiratory volume in one second and forced vital capacity were measured in 96 African men, 109 African women, 129 Indian men, and 99 Indian women between 35 and 54 years old. No subject had evidence of any disorder that might have impaired ventilatory capacity. Indians of both sexes had significantly smaller values by approximately 4 percent to 7 percent than Africans, and both groups had smaller values than those quoted for white persons. These differences remained significant after standardization for age and body size. The forced expiratory volume and forced vital capacity values of the subjects are described as multiple regression equations on height and age.(Summary)