Before
pulmonary function testing, a survey was conducted to exclude high-risk individuals,
including those with a previous history of pneumothorax, aortic aneurysm,
retinal detachment, cardiovascular disease, urinary incontinence, dementia,
abdominal surgery in the last 3 months, history of hematemesis in the last month,
severe hypertension (systolic blood pressure 4200 mmHg or diastolic blood
pressure 4140 mmHg), and current chest or abdominal pain. After a demonstration
by trained technicians, pulmonary function tests were performed with the
participants in a seated position leaning forward (151) using Dry Rolling-seal
spirometry