Normal values of total respiratory resistance and reactance determined by forced oscillations: influence of smoking.

In 407 healthy male subjects, smokers and nonsmokers, the resistance and reactance of the respiratory system were determined between 4 and 24 Hz, using a forced oscillation technique. The values are significantly correlated with age, weight, height, FEV1, and vital capacity. After standardization of the data for the latter variables, there are no differences between smokers and nonsmokers. The technique thus lacks sensitivity for the detection of the effects of smoking.