Significant Difference In Vital Capacity Research Articles

The Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training on Body Mass Index and Cardiopulmonary Function in Obese College Students

Objective: To observe the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on body mass index (BMI) and cardiopulmonary function in obese college students.Methods: Fifty obese students from the first to third year of our university were randomly selected to participate in this study and were randomly divided into two groups, with 25 students in each group participating in different training programs. The groups were divided into HIIT and MICT groups, respectively, and they participated in high-intensity interval training and moderate-intensity continuous training for 3 months. Before and after the different interventions, the average BMI, vital capacity, and resting heart rate were measured.Results: There was no significant difference in BMI measurements between the two groups of obese college students before the intervention (P>0.05). Before and after the intervention, both groups showed a significant decrease in average BMI compared to before the intervention (P<0.05). After the intervention, the average BMI of the MICT group was significantly lower than that of the HIIT group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in vital capacity and resting heart rate measurements between the two groups of obese college students before the intervention (P>0.05). After different interventions, both groups showed a significant increase in average vital capacity and a significant decrease in average resting heart rate compared to before the intervention (P<0.05). After the intervention, the average resting heart rate of the MICT group was significantly lower than that of the HIIT group (P<0.05).Conclusion: Both high-intensity interval training and moderate-intensity continuous training can significantly improve BMI and cardiopulmonary function in obese college students, with moderate-intensity continuous training having certain advantages in improving BMI and resting heart rate.

EFEITOS DA GINÁSTICA SOBRE A FREQUÊNCIA CARDÍACA E O FÍSICO DOS ESTUDANTES UNIVERSITÁRIOS MASCULINOS

ABSTRACT Introduction People’s living standards have gradually improved with rapid economic development, and physical exercise has become a viable alternative for people to relax and improve their quality of life. Among the forms of physical exercise, the most traditional and simplest is aerobics, despite few current studies on the physiological evidence of its adherence. Objective Evaluate the effects of aerobic gymnastics on heart rate and physique of college students. Methods 10 male college students volunteered for an experiment involving a specific aerobic gymnastics protocol over six weeks. To explore the effects of aerobic exercise on heart rate variability and physique of male college students, vital and anthropometric data were collected before and after the intervention for a statistical comparison and scientific discussion according to current literature. Results There were significant differences in heart rate variability indexes SDNN, RMSSD, TP, HF, lf/hf before and after training. Conclusion There were some significant differences in vital capacity, grip strength, flexion of sitting and standing posture after the intervention protocol. It is suggested that aerobic gymnastics training can improve cardiac function and fitness of its practitioners, especially among college students. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

TREINAMENTO INTERVALADO DE ALTA INTENSIDADE APLICADO AO TREINO FÍSICO

ABSTRACT Introduction High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been widely used in functional physical performance enhancement, with the characteristics of low time demand and fast effects. Currently, many ways and methods are adopted in sports training, but the impact of HIIT training still needs to be determined. Objective Explore the effect of HIIT on physical training. Methods The training content includes preparatory activities, intermittent training, and relaxation activities. The preparatory and relaxation activities of the experimental and control groups are completely the same, differentiating only the addition of a protocol with HIIT in the control group. HIIT of medium intensity was adopted. Results After 10 weeks of intervention, there was no significant difference in vital capacity between the experimental and control groups. Comparing the vital capacity indices of the volunteers in both groups, it was found that the vital capacity levels of the experimental and control groups showed positive differences. Still, the experimental group with HIIT had a greater gain in their vital capacity. Conclusion HIIT can effectively improve the functional physical performance of athletes. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

앉은 자세에서 등뼈의 척주뒤굽음 각도가 가로막 움직임 및 폐활량에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study was to establish the effects of different thoracic kyphosis angles in sitting position on diaphragm movement and vital capacity. Ten healthy subjects were recruited for this study. Subjects performed four thoracic kyphosis angles-straight sitting positions against the wall(Condition A), sitting position with thoracic kyphosis angle of 30°(Condition B), sitting position with thoracic kyphosis angle of 40°(Condition C), sitting position with thoracic kyphosis angle of 50°(Condition D). Diaphragm movement was measured by M-mode ultrasound and vital capacity was measured by digital spirometer. A one-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to determine the statistical significance of the diaphragm movement and vital capacity. Diaphragm movement was significant difference between all positions and it was decreased as thoracic kyphosis angle increased. There was no significant difference in vital capacity. The results of this study suggest that increased thoracic kyphosis angle in sitting position can be having an adverse effect on patients with reduced vital capacity due to decreased diaphragm movement.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Tai Chi Training in Cardiorespiratory Fitness of Elderly People.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of Tai Chi on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in elderly people using meta-analysis. Methods This study used seven electronic databases and data retrieved from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the role of Tai Chi on CRF in the elderly. All these 24 RCTs were screened and selected from 7 literature databases. The Stata 11.2 software (StataCorp, USA) was used for the meta-analysis, subgroup analysis, and bias test, while the Cochrane Collaboration's tool was used for the assessment of the risk of bias (RoB). 4 researchers independently participated in sample selection, data extraction, and RoB assessment. Results Following the inclusion criteria, 24 eligible studies were included in our analysis. The meta-analysis indicated that Tai Chi practice significantly increased the maximum rate of oxygen consumption (VO2 max) (weighted mean difference (WMD) = 3.76, 95% CI: 1.25 to 6.26, P < 0.1), leading to an overall reduction in the heart rate (HR) (WMD = −1.84, 95% CI: −2.04 to −1.63, P ≤ 0.001) and an increase in the O2 pulse (WMD = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.60 to 1.28, P ≤ 0.001) in individuals who practiced Tai Chi regularly compared with those who did not. The subgroup analysis suggested that overall in those who practiced Tai Chi, males (WMD = 1.48, 95% CI: 0.85 to 2.12, P ≤ 0.001) had higher O2 pulse than females (WMD = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.33 to 1.12, P ≤ 0.001). The subgroup analysis also showed an increase in the vital capacity (VC) (WMD = 316.05, 95% CI: 239.74 to 392.35, P ≤ 0.001) in individuals practicing Tai Chi. When the samples were further stratified by Tai Chi practicing time, the subgroup analysis suggested that individuals practicing Tai Chi over a period of 24 weeks showed no significant difference in VC (WMD = 82.95, 95% CI: -98.34 to 264.23, P=0.370), while those practicing Tai Chi over a period of 48 weeks showed a significant increase (WMD = 416.62, 95% CI: 280.68 to 552.56, P ≤ 0.001). Furthermore, the subgroup analysis demonstrated that the increase in VC is significantly correlated with the Tai Chi practicing time (WMD = 344.97, 95% CI: 227.88 to 442.06, P ≤ 0.001). Conclusion Regular Tai Chi practice could improve the CRF in the elderly, as indicated by significant improvement in indicators including VO2max, O2pulse, VC, and HR. However, gender and practice time might influence the overall beneficial outcomes.

Experimental Study on the Influence of “Active Campus” Plan on Physical Fitness and Sports Interest

The exploration of “Activity Campus” action plan for elementary and middle schools in China has been gradually prevailed, but the impact of this plan on students has not been clarified. Based on this, this study is to explores the impact of the "Activity Campus" action plan on students' physical fitness and sport learning interest through research in “Activity Campus” plan, and provides theoretical support for implementation of the “Activity Campus” plan. 164 fourth-grade students from Shandong Province participate in this experiment, 80 in the experimental group and 84 in the control group. The Primary School Students’ Sports Learning Interest Scale was used to investigate the changes in students' mental health and the Physical Health Test Standard was used to measure students' physical and health levels. The scale and measurement tools have high reliability. At the same time, using independent sample T test analyze the data before and after experiment by spss21.0. For physical fitness level, no significant difference between experimental group and control group in the BMI, 50-meter run, one-minute skipping rope, one-minute sit-ups, and total physical fitness scores before the experiment. After the experiment, the control group had significant differences in vital capacity, 50-meter running, one-minute sit-ups, and total physical fitness for sports learning interest, also no significant difference between experimental group and control group before experiment among the degree of sports participation, positive interest in sports learning, negative interest in sports learning, degree of autonomous learning, and total score in sports learning interest. After experiment, there were significant differences between experimental group and control group in all of above. The research results show that “Activity Campus” plan can effectively improve students' physical fitness and health in terms of speed, strength, endurance, and flexibility, and can effectively improve students' interest in participating in sports and their ability to learn independently. This shows that implementation of the “Activity Campus” action plan in China has certain practical significance.

The Impact of Verbal Encouragement and Repeating on the Measurement of Spirometry in Healthy Adult.

Introduction Vital Capacity (VC) is measured by spirometry. VC can differ according to weight, age, gender, race and height of the investigated person. Repetition of the same tasks has been proven to enhance adults’ performance. Encouraging on some tasks have shown to result in a significant difference.Aim This study aimed to examine if verbal encouragement and repetition of spirometry would make a difference in the results.MethodThis is a randomized clinical trial involving 136 healthy volunteers, randomly allocated to one of two groups: control and intervention groups. In both groups, VC was assessed as the baseline (VC1). VC was assessed again after ten days maximally (VC2). The third time of measuring VC was assessed again after ten days maximally (VC3). The verbal encouragement was provided only to the intervention group during iVC2 and iVC3, and only repeating was required from the control group in cVC2 and cVC3.Results and Conclusion There was no significant difference in VC after the third trial in the control group compared to the baseline measurement (p-value= 0.836). On the other hand, verbal encouragement in the third trial had a significant difference in VC compared to the baseline measurement (p-value= 0.000).

Effect of Posture Correction Band on Pulmonary Function in Individuals With Neck Pain and Forward Head Posture

Background: Individuals with forward head posture (FHP) have neck pain. To correct the FHP, a posture correction band is commonly used. However, we do not know the posture correction band influenced the pulmonary function in individuals with FHP. Objects: This study aimed to elucidate the effects of the posture correction band on the pulmonary function in young adults with neck pain and FHP and to monitor how the pulmonary function changed over time. Methods: Twenty subjects with chronic neck pain and forward head posture were recruited. Subjects performed pulmonary function test four times: before, immediately, and 2 hours after wearing the postural band, and immediately after undressing the postural band. Vital capacity (VC), forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow (PEF), and forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1) were measured. The modified Borg dyspnea scale was used to measure each subject’s responses to the posture correction band. The mixed-effect linear regression was used to the effect of the posture correction band over time. Results: There were no significant differences in VC, FVC, PEF, FEV1 values over time (p > 0.05), although all values slightly decreased after applying posture correction band. However, the score of the modified Borg scale significantly changed after wearing the postural bands (p < 0.05), indicating the subject felt discomfort with posture correction band during breathing. Conclusion: Because the posture correction band did not change the pulmonary function over time, but it induces psychological discomforts during breathing in people with FHP. Therefore, this posture correction band can be used for FHP realignment after discussion with the subjects.

Effect of Kegel Exercise on Vital Capacity According to the Position: A Preliminary Study

Purpose: This study examined the immediate effect of Kegel exercise on the vital capacity according to the position. Methods: Seventeen subjects participated in the study (male=7, female=10). The subjects performed Kegel exercise in two positions: sitting and hooklying. The order of exercise was conducted in a random order selected by the subjects to exclude the learning effect. The maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) was measured using a spirometer. The vital capacity was measured according to the manual in the sitting position before the experiment. After each exercise, the vital capacity was also measured in the same way. One way repeated measures analysis of the variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the vital capacity according to the position, and a Bonferroni test was used for post hoc analysis. Results: Significant differences in vital capacity were observed after exercise than before exercise (p 0.05). Conclusion: This study was a preliminary study to determine the vital capacity according to the Kegel exercise and two positions. Never theless, further study with several revisions of the number of subjects, duration, and time for intervention will be needed.

Bilateral scapulothoracic arthrodesis for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy: function, fusion, and respiratory consequences

Scapulothoracic arthrodesis (STA) has been proposed for the treatment of painful scapular winging in patients with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). However, the rate of osseous fusion is variable, and there is a theoretical risk of reduced respiratory function after bilateral STA. This was a retrospective study of 10 STAs, performed sequentially, in 5 FSHD patients. The surgical technique involved use of a semitubular plate and wire construct with autograft (iliac crest) interposed between the scapula and rib cage. Osseous fusion, respiratory function, and shoulder function were evaluated. The mean follow-up period was 141 ± 67 months (range, 24-225 months). Early complications included 1 pneumothorax and 1 pleural effusion. No late complications occurred, and no patients underwent reoperation. On postoperative computed tomography images, complete bony union of the scapula to the ribs was observed in 90%of shoulders (9 of 10). Comparison of preoperative and postoperative pulmonary function test results showed no significant difference in vital capacity (from 87% ± 14% to 85% ± 12%) and forced vital capacity (from 86% ± 16% to 77% ± 15%). Patients gained on average 40° of active forward elevation (from 62° ± 20° to 102° ± 4°) and 22° of abduction (from 58° ± 21° to 89° ± 7°) (P < .001). The mean Subjective Shoulder Value increased from 25% ± 8% to 72% ± 18% (P < .001). All patients were pleased with the results and would recommendthe procedure to other persons. In patients with FSHD, bilateral STA provides satisfactory shoulder function with a high rate of scapulothoracic fusion and few or no significant respiratory repercussions.

OR-045 Comparative Study on Physical Fitness in Female College Students between Different BFP Grades

Objective Through testing the body fat percentage (BFP) and physical fitness by laboratory methods in female college students, the relationship between physical fitness and body morphology of female college students was revealed. &#x0D; Methods BFP and fat free mass were measured among 633 healthy female college students randomly selected. All subjects were divided into five groups by their BFP: low, normal, high body fat, grade I obesity and grade II/III obesity. Grip Strength, Leg Strength, Back Strength, Vital Capacity, Maximal Oxygen Uptake, Reaction Time, Sit And Reach, Back Scratch and Standing On One Foot With Closed Eyes were tested. &#x0D; Results There were significant differences between all groups in Grip Strength, Back Strength, Vital Capacity, the absolute and relative value of VO2max, Back Scratch on both sides and Standing on One Foot with Closed Eyes. The difference in Grip Strength and Back Strength showed significantly (P &lt; 0.05), and the others showed very significant difference (P &lt; 0.01). There was no significant difference in Resting Heart Rate, Reaction Time, Sit And Reach and Leg Strength. The results of multiple comparison showed that compared with 4 group,there were significant differences in Vital Capacity, relative value of Maximum Oxygen Uptake, Back Scratch in both sides in 2 group and 3 group. Moreover, compared with 5 group, there were significant differences in all the indicators in 2 group and 3 group. And there were significant differences in all the indicators except Back Strength and the relative value of Maximum Oxygen Uptake between 5 group and 4 group.&#x0D; Conclusions The results showed that the physical fitness of female college students with normal BFP was significantly better than that of obese ones. The major influence of exceeding 30 percent in BFP was the cardiopulmonary endurance fitness and upper limb flexibility fitness. In the group of BFP higher than 35%, these influences were more significant, meanwhile, balance fitness declined.

Effectiveness and Safety of Chinese Medicine for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Chinese medicine (CM) for Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients. To screened relevant articles, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Excerpta Medica Datase (EMBASE), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese VIP Information (VIP), Wanfang Database and Chinese Biomedical Database (CBM) were searched in English or Chinese until December 2015 for randomized controlled trials, which compared CM treatment (CM group) with Western medicine or placebo (control group) on IPF. The outcome measures included acute exacerbation, pulmonary function, the St George's respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ) scores, 6-minute walk test (6MWT) distance, adverse events and mortality. This meta-analysis included 25 randomized controlled trials involving 1,471 patients. Compared with the control group, CM group was superiori in reducing the risk of exacerbation [relative risk (RR)=0.40, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.72, P<0.05], improving in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) [standard mean difference (SMD)=0.62, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.84, P<0.01] and diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO, SMD=0.40, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.58, P<0.01), but there was no significant difference in vital capacity (VC, SMD=0.10, 95% CI-0.12 to 0.31, P>0.05). This meta-analysis also revealed that CM therapy significantly decreased the SGRQ score (SMD=-0.60, 95% CI-1.14 to-0.05, P<0.05) and improved 6MWT distance (SMD=0.59, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.84, P<0.01), compared with the control group. Meanwhile, CM therapy was associated with a low incidence of adverse effects (RR=0.19, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.43, P<0.01). However, there was no significant difference in mortality (RR=0.24, 95% CI 0.05 to 1.10, P>0.05) between CM and control groups. The pooled outcomes suggest that CM treatment appears benefit in reducing the risk of exacerbation, improving lung function and decreasing the incidence of adverse effects and enhancing the quality of life. However, the outcomes were limited because of the low quality of the included studies. More rigorous clinic trials need to be carried out to provide sufficient and accurate evidence in the future.

Association between body mass index (BMI) and vital capacity of college students of Zhuang nationality in China: a cross-section study.

ObjectiveOur study is to evaluate the association between body mass index (BMI) and vital capacity of college students of Zhuang Nationality in China.Methods463 college students of Zhuang Nationality from Guangxi Medical University were selected. Basic information, body composition and vital capacity of college students were measured. According to the level of BMI, college students were divided into four groups (BMI<18.5, 18.5≤BMI<23.9, 23.9≤BMI<27.9 and BMI≥27.9). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between BMI and vital capacity.ResultsIn male college students, there was no significant difference in vital capacity between the four groups (3029.54±869.25, 3347.06±784.54, 3540.00±805.35 and 3966.50±350.2, P=0.0727, respectively). Multivariate regression analysis showed that after adjusting for confounding factors, no significant association was observed between BMI and vital capacity (OR=115.02, 95% CI: -555.58∼785.63; OR=-166.58, 95% CI: -1684.56∼1351.41; OR=-484.01, 95% CI:-3504.53, 2536.51, respectively. BMI<18.5 group served as reference group). In female college students, there was also no significant difference in vital capacity between the four groups (2455.15±574.4, 2555.06±637.03, 2750.33±1224.05 and 2473.00±159.06, P=0.4011, respectively). Multivariate regression analysis showed that after adjusting for confounding factors, no significant association was observed between BMI and vital capacity (OR=-88.88, 95% CI: -333.59∼155.84; OR=20.00, 95% CI: -694.39∼734.39; OR=2.86, 95% CI: -1830.58, 1836.3, respectively. BMI<18.5 group served as reference group).ConclusionThere was no evidence that BMI is associated with vital capacity in college students of Zhuang Nationality.

Analysis of the pulmonary functions of normal adults according to pillow height.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study is to examine changes in pulmonary functions in relation to the sleeping positions of the experimental subjects. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects for this study were twenty randomly selected males and females from K University. Measurements were taken in the supine position at three different pillow heights: 0 cm, 5 cm, and 10 cm. Pulmonary functions (vital capacity, tidal volume, inspiratory reserve volume, and expiratory reserve volume) were evaluated using a Fit mate. [Results] These findings suggest that a pillow height of 5 cm makes a significant difference in vital capacity (VC). When the three pillow heights were compared, significant differences were seen between 0 cm and 5 cm, and between 5 cm and 10 cm, in terms of vital capacity for the pulmonary functions among the three positions. [Conclusion] In conclusion, changing the positions of the subjects produces changes in pulmonary functions. The greatest change occurred in the 5 cm pillow height. Presumably, ventilation is affected by the body structures. The results will provide objective data to establish the most suitable positions for stroke patients when they perform respiratory exercises.

Effects of exposure to sulfur mustard on speech aerodynamics

Sulfur mustard is an alkylating agent with highly cytotoxic properties even at low exposure. It was used widely against both military and civilian population by Iraqi forces in the Iraq–Iran war (1983–1988). Although various aspects of mustard gas effects on patients with chemical injury have been relatively well characterized, its effects on speech are still evolving. We evaluated aerodynamics of speech in male patients following sulfur mustard inhalation. In a case-control study patients with chemical injuries ( n = 19) along with age and sex-matched healthy control group ( n = 20) were selected. Aerodynamic analyses were performed by using the Glasgow Airflow Measurement System (known as ST1 dysphonia). Results indicated that except mean flow rate, there were statistically significant differences in vital capacity, phonation time, phonation volume, vocal velocity index, total expired volume and phonation quotient of patients between experimental and control groups ( P < 0.05). This study demonstrated mustard gas can impair different parameters of speech aerodynamics. Learning outcomes: As a result of this activity, the reader will be able to describe: (1) the evaluation of air flow in relation to speech system dysfunction and efficiency; (2) the effect of sulfur mustard known as mustard gas on respiratory physiology.

Thoracic epidural analgesia in obese patients with body mass index of more than 30 kg/m 2 for off pump coronary artery bypass surgery

Perioperative Thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) is an important part of a multimodal approach to improve analgesia and patient outcome after cardiac and thoracic surgery. This is particularly important for obese patients undergoing off pump coronary artery bypass surgery (OPCAB). We conducted a randomized clinical trial at tertiary care cardiac institute to compare the effect of TEA and conventional opioid based analgesia on perioperative lung functions and pain scores in obese patients undergoing OPCAB. Sixty obese patients with body mass index >30 kg/m2 for elective OPCAB were randomized into two groups (n=30 each). Patients in both the groups received general anesthesia but in group 1, TEA was also administered. We performed spirometry as preoperative assessment and at six hours, 24 hours, second, third, fourth and fifth day after extubation, along with arterial blood gases analysis. Visual analogue scale at rest and on coughing was recorded to assess the degree of analgesia. The other parameters observed were: time to endotracheal extubation, oxygen withdrawal time and intensive care unit length of stay. On statistical analysis there was a significant difference in Vital Capacity at six hours, 24 hours, second and third day postextubation. Forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in one second followed the same pattern for first four postoperative days and peak expiratory flow rate remained statistically high till second postoperative day. ABG values and PaO2/FiO2 ratio were statistically higher in the study group up to five days. Visual analogue scale at rest and on coughing was significantly lower till fourth and third postoperative day respectively. Tracheal extubation time, oxygen withdrawal time and ICU stay were significantly less in group 1. The use of TEA resulted in better analgesia, early tracheal extubation and shorter ICU stay and should be considered for obese patients undergoing OPCAB.

EVALUATION OF EXERCISE PERFORMANCE IN HEALTHY TURKISH ADOLESCENTS

In this study, exercise performance was evaluated in 259 healthy adolescents by using some tests. The purpose of the study was to investigate exercise performance and cardiorespiratory capacity in both adolescent boys and girls. The following tests were applied to all children: ball throw with right and left hands, vertical jump, long jump without prior motion, pull up (repetition number), flexibility, and agility (set repetition number) tests. Additionally, heart rate and systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured. Applied spirometric tests were as follows: vital capacity, forced vital capacity, forced expiration volume in the first second, ventilation volume, maximum volunteer ventilation and respiration frequency. This study found that heart rate was statistically significantly higher in females than males (p < .05). There was also a statistically significant difference in vital capacity, forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in the first second (in both measured and predicted values) between males and females (p < .05). Additionally, it was found that there were statistically significant differences in the 60 and 200 meters races, maximal pull up, maximal sit up, vertical jump, standing long jump, ball throwing with right hand, horizontal bar, and agility between the male and female groups (p < .05). In conclusion, the findings showed that although females were superior in the 60 and 200 meter race, males were superior in agility, horizontal bar, ball throwing with right hand, long jump, and vertical jump.

Vital capacity in tetraplegics twenty years and beyond.

To observe the trends in vital capacity (VC) over time in tetraplegics 20 years and more after injury, the effects of age at injury, severity of injury and gender on this trend. The medical records of all spinal cord injured persons admitted to a regional spinal injury center from January 1960 to December 1996 were reviewed. Fifty-seven patients had documented post-rehabilitation VC (mean 1.3+/-1.1 years) and VC at 10 (mean 11.8+/-2.69) and 20 (20.60+/-2.67) years post injury and beyond. The mean age at injury was 23.2+/-9.1 years. Severity of injury when classified according the system proposed by Coll et al were: Group 1: C1-4 Frankel A injury: 11.6%, Group 2: C5-8 Frankel A injury: 55.6%, Group 3: C2-8 Frankel B and C: 29.8% and Group 4: C2-8 Frankel D: 3.5% respectively. The mean VC at initial, 10 and 20 years post injury was 2586+/-948, 2803+/-940 and 2525+/-818 cc respectively. Multivariate analysis of variance revealed that there was significant difference in VC over a 20 year period, (F(2,54)=8.43, P<0.05). The difference between VC at 10 years and VC at 20 years accounted for the 19.8% of the variance in VC over time (F(1,55)=12.35, P<0.05). Age at injury, gender and severity of injury did not have a significant influence on the rate of decline in VC. Analysis of a subset of 26 patients who were followed up more than 20 years post injury (range 22 to 34.5 years) revealed similar, with a greater drop in the VC from 10 years post injury (F(1,23)=6.52, P<0.05). In this subset of patients, the mean VC at initial injury was 2840.9+/-847.3 cc, at 10 years was 2549.6+/-750.3 cc, at 20 years was 2400.9+/-724.1 cc and beyond 20 years was 2194.2+/-738.7 cc. There was no significant difference in mean VC between non smokers and ex/current smokers at initial, 10 and 20 years post injury, using the independent t-test (P>0.05). Vital capacity in tetraplegics declines significantly over the years, with a greater decline occurring at more than 20 years post injury.

Importance of anti-lung antibody in farmer's lung disease

The presence of anti-lung antibody was evaluated in 20 patients with farmer's lung disease. Antibody was found in 14. In patients with disease of less than five years' duration, there was no evidence of any significant differences in vital capacity, total lung capacity, diffusion capacity, and PaO 2 between those wtth and without antilung antibody. However, in patients with disease of longer than five years' duration, the diffusion capacity was lower in the anti-lung antibody-positive group (p < 0.05). The prevalence of abnormalities of vital capacity and diffusion capacity and flbrosis on chest roentgenograms was higher in those who had anti-lung antibody and disease of more than five years' duration. The study suggests that anti-lung antibody is present before permanent measurable physiologic abnormality occurs and may potentiate the pulmonary damage during subsequent episodes.