Peak expiratory flow rate in adolescent male swimmers of all India rural swimming meet.

Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), an important test to assess overall lung function, was determined in 84 male adolescent subjects, out of which there were 46 and 38 nonswimmers (NS). Their ages varied between 9 to 15 years. It was observed that a significant spurt in PEFR value occurs in S at the age of 12 years. A similar spurt in growth (height & weight) in S, not so apparent in NS, was also observed at the same age period. The enhanced growth was recorded in S at all age groups in comparison with those of NS. It was further observed that with increase of height, the PEFR also increased in both the groups however significant by higher values (P less than 0.05) were obtained in S, as compared with NS having the same height.