Lab Protocol 06 - Spirometry
Lab Protocol 06 - Spirometry
Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), which is the maximal amount of air that a person can
forcibly exhale after a maximal inhalation.
Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV), which is the percentage of FVC that a person forcibly
expels in intervals of 1, 2, and 3 seconds (FEV1, FEV2, FEV3).
Maximal Voluntary Ventilation (MVV), which is a pulmonary function test that combines
volume and flow rates to assess overall pulmonary ventilation.
These measurements indicate the upper limit of work that the person can do based on the
capabilities of his or her respiratory system. When a person takes in maximal inhalation and then
follows this with maximal exhalation the volume of expired air is that person’s Single Stage Vital
Capacity (SSVC). The time required to achieve maximal exhalation is not a factor in determining
SSVC. Because the lungs reside in the thoracic cavity, vital capacity is ultimately restricted by
the size of a person’s thoracic cavity. Therefore, size-related variables (e.g., age, gender, weight)
affect the capacities of the respiratory system.
Using this equation, you can estimate the vital capacity of a 19 year old female who is 167
centimeters tall (about 5’6”) as 3.815 liters: 0.041 x (167) – 0.018 x (19) – 2.69 = 3.815 liters.
For adults, the average pulmonary capacities decrease with age. Women tend to have smaller
volumes than men of the same age and weight. As weight increases, volumes increase, with the
exception that overweight people tend to have decreased volumes. Even within one person,
respiratory supply and demand differs with activity levels and health. Accordingly, the rate and
depth of ventilation (the volume of gas you breathe in and out per minute) are not static but
rather must constantly adjust to the changing needs of the body. As you increase your activity
Pulmonary volumes, pulmonary capacities, and pulmonary airflow rates are often measured in
diagnosing and assessing the health of the respiratory system.
In general, chronic pulmonary diseases may be classified into two physiologic categories:
In obstructive pulmonary disease, such as asthma or emphysema, airflow into and out of the lungs
is reduced. In asthma, inflammation of the lining of the airways and heavy mucus secretion reduce
airway diameters and increase airway resistance. This results in a wheezing sound (characteristic
of asthmatic breathing) and a reduction in the volume of air flowing into and out of the lungs per
minute. Diagnosis of obstructive pulmonary diseases usually requires measurements of pulmonary
flow rates and ERV.
In restrictive pulmonary disease, the person’s ability to inflate and deflate the lungs is reduced,
and as a result, some lung volumes and capacities are below normal. For example, in pulmonary
fibrosis (such as occurs in coal miner’s disease), vital capacity, (the maximal air volume moved out
of the lungs) is reduced. Vital capacity is reduced both because of reductions in inspiratory and
expiratory reserve volumes, volumes beyond normal resting tidal volume. This also occurs in
In this experiment, you will perform two tests to measure pulmonary flow rates:
Forced Expiratory Volume (also referred to as forced vital capacity or timed vital capacity) is a
test in which a limit is placed on the length of time a Subject has to expel vital capacity air.
FEV1, FEV2, FEV3 are defined as the percentage of vital capacity that can be forcibly expelled
after a maximal inhalation in the period of one second, two seconds, and three seconds,
respectively.
The normal adult is able, with maximal effort, to expire about 66-83% of his/her vital capacity in
one second (FEV1.0), 75-94% of their vital capacity in the second second (FEV2.0), and 78-97% of
their vital capacity by the end of the third second (FEV3.0).
A person with asthma may have a normal or near-normal vital capacity as measured in a Single
Stage Vital Capacity test, which allows as long as necessary to maximally inhale and exhale.
However, when an asthmatic exhales vital capacity with maximal effort, FEV measurements are
all reduced because heavy mucus secretion and smooth muscle action reduces airway diameter and
it takes longer to completely exhale vital capacity against increased airway resistance.
The Maximal Voluntary Ventilation (also known as maximal breathing capacity) measures peak
performance of the lungs and respiratory muscles. MVV is calculated as the volume of air moved
through the pulmonary system in one minute while breathing as quickly and deeply as possible
(hyperventilation). In performing this test, the Subject inspires and expires as deeply and as
rapidly as possible (> 1 breath/sec) while the tidal volume and the respiratory rate are measured.
Because the maximal breathing rate is difficult to maintain, the Subject hyperventilates for a
Normal values vary with sex, age and body size. MVV is a measure of how much your pulmonary
system limits your capacity to work or exercise.
You can rarely exceed your MVV, even for brief periods of time. Therefore, MVV ultimately limits
how much oxygen is available for exercising muscles. In general, a maximum of 50% of your MVV
can be used for exercise beyond 10 minutes. Most people have trouble breathing when only using
the available 30-40% MVV. MVV tends to be reduced in both restrictive and obstructive
pulmonary diseases.
Experimental Objectives
To observe experimentally, record, and/or calculate forced expiratory volume (FEV) and
maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV).
To compare observed values of FEV with predicted normals.
Compare MVV values with others in your class.
M. How would an asthmatic person’s measurement of FEV1.0 and MVV compare to an athlete? Explain
your answer.
General Requirements
1. All students must Conduct the experiment as dictated by the lab manual and
document it according to the requirements of Assessment Rubrics and get it approved
by the Lab Instructor after conducting any experiment.
2. You should be prepared to demonstrate your experimental setup and answer questions
in all aspects related to your experiment.
3. You should work in groups of 7 students each. One report addressing all parts of
Assessment Rubrics should be submitted on behalf of the whole group.
4. You may use any resources you find useful to your experiment as long as you
acknowledge such use in your report in accordance to ethical guidelines.
Analyzes and interprets Comprehensively Sufficiently understands Fairly understands the Poorly understands the
data understands the data in the data in terms of data in terms of variables data in terms of variables
terms of variables variables (dependent/independent), (dependent/independent),
(dependent/ (dependent/independent), assumptions, deviations assumptions, deviations
independent), assumptions, deviations and experimental and experimental
assumptions, deviations and experimental uncertainties etc. uncertainties. Fails to
and experimental uncertainties etc. Organizes the data in Organize the data in
uncertainties etc. Organizes the data in figures and tables using figures and tables using
Organizes the data in figures and tables using modern software tools modern software tools.
figures and tables using modern software tools fairly for analysis. Fails to Discuss/compare
modern software tools sufficiently for analysis. Discusses/compares his/her results in the light
extensively for analysis. Discusses/compares his/her results in the light of obtained
Discusses/compares his/her results in the light of obtained results/ results/theoretical models
his/her results in the light of obtained theoretical models of of similar studies from
of obtained results/theoretical models similar studies from other other sources. Fails to
results/theoretical models of similar studies from sources fairly. Concludes conclude rationally based
of similar studies from other sources sufficiently. based on his/her on experimentation and
other sources extensively. Concludes rationally experimentation and acceptable reasoning.
Concludes rationally based on experimentation acceptable reasoning.
based on experimentation and fair reasoning.
and clear reasoning.
MATERIALS
BIOPAC Airflow Transducer SS11LB.
BIOPAC Bacteriological Filter (AFT1): one per subject
BIOPAC Disposable Mouthpiece (AFT2)
BIOPAC Noseclip (AFT3)
Biopac Student Lab System: BSL 4 software, MP36 hardware
Computer System (Windows or Mac)
EXPERIMENTAL METHODS
A. SETUP
FAST TRACK Setup Detailed Explanation of Setup Steps
1. Turn your computer ON.
2. Turn OFF MP36/35 unit.
3. Plug the Airflow Transducer (SS11LA) into
Channel 1.
4. Turn ON the MP36/35 unit.
C. DATA RECORDING
FAST TRACK Recording Detailed Explanation of Recording Steps
1. Prepare for the recording. In this recording, two conditions will be performed to measure
Remove Calibration Syringe/filter pulmonary flow rates:
assembly (if used). Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV)
Maximal Voluntary Ventilation (MVV)
Each test will be saved as a separate data file.
Hints for obtaining optimal data:
Review onscreen “Tasks” to prepare for the recording steps in
advance.
Subject should wear loose clothing so clothing does not
inhibit chest expansion.
Subject must try to expand the thoracic cavity to its largest
volume during maximal inspiratory efforts.
Air leaks will result in inaccurate data. Make sure all
connections are tight, noseclip is attached and that Subject’s
mouth is sealed around the mouthpiece.
Keep the Airflow Transducer vertical and in a constant
2. Insert the filter into the “Inlet” side of IMPORTANT: Each Subject must use a personal filter,
the transducer, and then attach the mouthpiece and noseclip. The first time they are used, the
mouthpiece (Fig. 4). Subject should personally remove them from the plastic
If your lab does not use disposable packaging.
filters, attach a sterilized mouthpiece
(AFT8) directly to the “Inlet” side of
the transducer (Fig. 4).
Setup continues...
3. Prepare the Subject: Verify there are no air leaks; mouthpiece and filter are firmly
Subject must be seated, relaxed and attached, the noseclip is snug and the Subject’s mouth is tightly
still, facing away from the monitor. sealed around mouthpiece.
Place noseclip on Subject’s nose.
Subject holds Airflow Transducer
vertically, breathing through
mouthpiece.
Before recording, Subject acclimates
by breathing normally for 20 seconds.
Review recording steps.
7. Verify recording resembles the example The maximal inhale and maximal exhale should be clearly visible
data. in the data and there should be three normal breathing cycles
If similar, click Continue and proceed both before and after.
to the next recording.
Recording continues…
If necessary, click Redo. If recording does not resemble the Example Data
If the data is noisy or flatline, check all connections to the
MP unit.
If there are not three normal breathing cycles on either side
of the maximal inhale/exhale, Redo the recording.
If it is difficult to determine the beginning of maximal
expiration, the Subject may not have held breath for an
instant after maximal inhalation; consider redoing the
recording.
If the maximal inhale/exhale data is not much greater in
amplitude than that during normal breathing; verify there are
no air leaks; mouthpiece and filter are firmly attached, the
noseclip is snug and the Subject’s mouth is firmly sealed
around the mouthpiece.
Click Redo and repeat Steps 4 – 6 if necessary. Note that once
Redo is clicked the data will be erased.
8. Zoom in using the zoom tool, on the area The selected area should include some data both before and after
of maximal exhale. maximal exhale.
9. Use the I-beam cursor to select the area The left mouse button is held down while selecting with the I-
of from beginning of maximal expiration beam cursor.
to the end of maximal expiration. At
least three seconds must be selected (Fig. The first measurement box will display Delta T so you can make
10. Click Calculate FEV. The program will cut out the selected area, invert it, zero the
offset, and paste it into a new channel (Fig. 8). The original
volume data will be deleted.
11. Verify the FEV plot resembles the If the data was selected properly in Step 8, the first data sample
example data. should be the minimum (0 Liters) and the data should continue
If similar, click Continue and proceed to increase for at least 3 seconds.
to the MVV recording.
If necessary, click Redo to reselect
area of maximal exhale and recalculate
FEV.
If you will not be recording MVV,
click Doneand proceed to the Data
Analysis section.
END OF RECORDING
Fig. 14 FEV2.0
B
Fig. 15 FEV3.0
9. Use the I-beam cursor to select a Use the Delta T measurement to determine the time interval. In the
twelve-second area that is convenient example below, 13 cycles are in the 12 second interval.
to count the number of cycles in the
interval (Fig. 17).
C
C
12. Calculate the average volume per cycle
(AVPC) and then the Maximal
Voluntary Ventilation (MVV).
C
Subject Profile
Name: Height:
= ________________
Table 2
Volume Volume
Cycle Cycle Number
Measurement Measurement
Number
Cycle 1 Cycle 9
Cycle 2 Cycle 10
Cycle 3 Cycle 11
Cycle 4 Cycle 12
Cycle 5 Cycle 13
Cycle 6 Cycle 14
Cycle 7 Cycle 15
Cycle 8 Cycle 16
Divide the above sum by the number of counted cycles. The answer is the average volume per cycle
(AVPC)
AVPC RR