[Scale of normal values of peak expiratory output in healthy children and adolescents based on flow-volume curves (author's transl)].

The authors present scales of reference theoretical values for children and peak expiratory output (V 50 and V 25), as well as FEV1 and vital capacity obtained by flow-volume curves. After a description of the equipment (adaptable to on-the-spot epidemiological studies), the reference population (537 children, male and female, 6-16 years old), and the method of curve applications, the statistical basis for devising the scale was analyzed. Under study were the following topics: assuming an exponential regression model, advantages of the consideration of two reference parameters (age and size), or of one (size), which was the solution adopted finally to construct the scale.