Guidelines for mechanical lung function measurements in psychophysiology

Studies in psychophysiology and behavioral medicine have uncovered associations among psychological processes, behavior, and lung function. However, methodological issues specific to the measurement of mechanical lung function have rarely been discussed. This report presents an overview of the physiology, techniques, and experimental methods of mechanical lung function measurements relevant to this research context. Techniques to measure lung volumes, airflow, airway resistance, respiratory resistance, and airflow perception are introduced and discussed. Confounding factors such as ventilation, medication, environmental factors, physical activity, and instructional and experimenter effects are outlined, and issues specific to children and clinical groups are discussed. Recommendations are presented to increase the degree of standardization in the research application and publication of mechanical lung function measurements in psychophysiology.