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Description

Purpose: This study aims to determine if there is a lasting effect in lung function when an individual relocates from an area of low elevation to an area of high elevation.

Methods: Our study monitored changes in pulmonary function over time after individuals moved from a region of low elevation (1,000 feet above sea level or lower) to a higher elevation area (4,500 feet above sea level in Provo, Utah). We followed incoming students to Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine from places of elevation lower than 1,000 feet. Spirometry was used to assess forced vital capacity (FVC) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) rate. Initial testing on subjects was completed on days three and seven after arriving in Provo and repeat testing occurred monthly over the subsequent 4 months to track changes in the above markers. Test values were assigned to a confidential subject number and lung function was graphed over time.

Results: No significant changes were observed in forced vital capacity and peak expiratory flow rate over time. However, an additional discovery revealed a correlation between sex and height when compared to FVC, as well as a correlation between weight and height when compared to PEF.

Conclusions: The primary goal of this research is to deepen our understanding of how changes in elevation impact pulmonary function and how rapidly our lungs can adapt to such changes. We anticipate that this data will prove valuable for individuals relocating to higher elevations from regions of lower elevation, reassuring them that there is no significant alteration in forced vital capacity and peak expiratory flow rate.

Disciplines

Medical Physiology | Medical Sciences | Physiological Processes | Primary Care

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Change in Basic Pulmonary Function in Response to Altitude Change

Purpose: This study aims to determine if there is a lasting effect in lung function when an individual relocates from an area of low elevation to an area of high elevation.

Methods: Our study monitored changes in pulmonary function over time after individuals moved from a region of low elevation (1,000 feet above sea level or lower) to a higher elevation area (4,500 feet above sea level in Provo, Utah). We followed incoming students to Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine from places of elevation lower than 1,000 feet. Spirometry was used to assess forced vital capacity (FVC) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) rate. Initial testing on subjects was completed on days three and seven after arriving in Provo and repeat testing occurred monthly over the subsequent 4 months to track changes in the above markers. Test values were assigned to a confidential subject number and lung function was graphed over time.

Results: No significant changes were observed in forced vital capacity and peak expiratory flow rate over time. However, an additional discovery revealed a correlation between sex and height when compared to FVC, as well as a correlation between weight and height when compared to PEF.

Conclusions: The primary goal of this research is to deepen our understanding of how changes in elevation impact pulmonary function and how rapidly our lungs can adapt to such changes. We anticipate that this data will prove valuable for individuals relocating to higher elevations from regions of lower elevation, reassuring them that there is no significant alteration in forced vital capacity and peak expiratory flow rate.