A Pilot Study “To Derive the Normal Values of Single Breath Count in Young Healthy Adults”

Abstract

Introduction: Pulmonary function tests such as spirometer and peak expiratory flow rate are the standard measures
to test lung volumes and capacities; but generally there is a lack of such equipment in emergency departments.
Hence there is a need for an easier, quicker and convenient outcome measure in such set-ups. Single breath count
(SBC) can be a simple assessment method in such clinical settings. However no studies for normal values of SBC
in young Healthy adults were found during the search for literature.
Objective: The objective of this study was to estimate normal value of SBC in Healthy young adult population.
Results: 100 participants were enrolled from 18-24 years of age in the study. The mean SBC was 39(±7) and 41(±9)
in females and males respectively. The SBC had a significant positive correlation with age at r=0.3, p value 0.0051
and height at r=0.28, p value 0.0038. The SBC had a non-significant negative correlation with BMI and weight.
Discussion: The results show that SBC was influenced significantly by gender (males>females), age and height of
the individuals. However BMI and weight did not seem to influence the SBC.
Conclusion: SBC is a test which is easy to perform and appears to correlate well with standard measures of
pulmonary functions. We estimated the normal values of SBC in young healthy adults which can be used in the
clinical set up.