BEHAVIOR OF PEAK EXPIRATORY FLOW IN ORCHESTRA WIND INSTRUMENTISTS IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF SOUTHERN BRAZIL

Case Series

Abstract

Objective: Assess the peak expiratory flow in wind instruments. Peak expiratory flow is a spirometric variable that translates the degree of upper airway obstruction. Wind instrumentalists more frequently activate the respiratory muscles and it is hypothesized that this practice reflects on the behavior of pulmonary function and, in particular, on the peak of expiratory flow. Methods: This is a series of cases composed of five male instrumentalists, in which each instrumentalist (I) was named: I1, I2, I3, I4 and I5, being the same members of an orchestra in southern Brazil - RS. Anthropometric data and peak expiratory flow, which was measured using the Peak-Flow Meter, were evaluated. The level of physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ short version). This instrument classifies the individual into one of five levels of physical activity, which are sedentary, irregularly active A, irregularly active B, active and very active. Results: Two participants reached approximately 80% of the predicted peak expiratory flow value, these being the youngest in the sample. The individual who obtained the highest peak expiratory flow value was also the most physically active. The individual with the lowest value was a transverse flute practitioner, sedentary and had recovered from Covid-19. It is noteworthy that the transverse flute has the smallest caliber among the instruments practiced by the individuals evaluated, such as the rod trombone and saxophone. Conclusion: In the evaluated sample, healthy medium and large-caliber wind instrument players who practice physical activity had higher values ​​of peak expiratory flow. This data highlights the influence of the practice of wind instruments on lung function and allows for greater visibility on research that allows for greater understanding of the interaction between different areas such as music and health.