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Abstract
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Introduction: Peak expiratory flow (PEF) is a reliable criterion for assessing respiratory capacity, and has a wide
range of clinical application as a marker of asthma control. However, its wide variability undermines its efficacy.
Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate PEF changes in staff of Zanjan University of Medical Sciences.
Patients and Methods: Four hundred employees of this university participated in this cross-sectional study. Their
PEF values were measured using peak flow meter in the morning at 8 AM and in the afternoon at 2 PM by three
times for each individual, and then the highest amount of PEF was recorded about for measurement.
Results: Obviously, PEF values were higher in the afternoon (43865 L/min) in comparison to the morning
measurements (404.60 L/min) by paired t test (P < 0.001). In addition, mean of PEF in the males was higher than
the females in the morning (469.77 L/min, versus 355.94 L/min; independent t test, P < 0.001), and also PEF
mean of the morning and afternoon was higher in the males than females (404.6 L/min, versus 338.65 L/min,
independent t test, P < 0.001). Additionally, the variability level in the males and females was 8.39 ± 6 and 8.47±4
L/min, respectively. There was a high correlation between the level of PEF variability and height (5.1). Meanwhile,
a moderate correlation between PEF level and body mass index (BMI) was detected (1.47). There was not any
correlation between the level of PEF and age.
Conclusion: Based on our findings, PEF inter-individual variability depends on age, gender height, and BMI
however, it is worthwhile that this PEF inter-individual variability to be measured just until 4 PM. All these variables
were obtained under the range of 20%; however, relying on references, the variability of 20% is considered as normal.
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