title: A modified forced oscillation technique for measurements of respiratory resistance.
abstract: We present a modification of forced oscillation technique for automated determination of total respiratory resistance during inspiration. The modifications consist of a computerized signal averaging and an optimization technique in the assessment of the resistance value. Thereby a favorable signal-to-noise ratio is obtained, allowing very low superimposed pressure oscillations. The method is validated by comparison with a conventional esophageal balloon method, by estimating added mechanical resistances in healthy subjects and by measuring the effect of bronchodilation in asthmatic children. The coefficient of variation as obtained from day-to-day measurements was about 7%. Mechanical resistances, estimated as the difference in total resistance with and without external resistance, were within 7% of their values determined for the resistances alone. A significant decrease in resistance was obtained in each of the asthmatic children following bronchodilation.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000403:Airway Resistance; D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008722:Methods; D008954:Models, Biological