Peak expiratory flow associated with change in positioning of the instrument: comparison of five peak flow meters.
To determine if peak expiratory flow (PEF) is altered by incorrect positioning of five peak flow meters (PFMs), 16 adults with clinically stable persistent asthma were evaluated. After inhaling two puffs of albuterol via AeroChamber, patients were instructed over the next 15 min in correct PFM technique and two incorrect techniques (PFM angled 20 degrees left in mouth and PFM pointed 20 degrees downward as patient leaned forward with maximal exhalation). Order of use of five peak flow meters and correct vs. incorrect techniques were random. Although mean values generally indicated no clinically meaningful effect of positioning of the PFM, inaccurate PEFs were recorded for several subjects with both incorrect methods and all PFMs.
Nolan
S
S
University of Tennessee, Memphis 38163, USA.
Tolley
E
E
Leeper
K
K
Strayhorn Smith
V
V
Self
T
T
D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010366:Peak Expiratory Flow Rate / Q000502:physiology*; D012212:Rheology / Q000379:methods*