Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026

Employing the Forced Oscillation Technique for the Assessment of Respiratory Mechanics in Adults
Published on: February 9, 2022
Is forced oscillation technique useful in the diagnosis of occupational asthma?
Alexis Descatha1, Claudine Fromageot, Jacques Ameille
1Unité de pathologie professionnelle et de santé au travail, Hôpital Raymond Poincaré, Garches, France. alexis.descatha@rpc.aphp.fr
Objective:
The aim of the study was to determine whether the forced oscillation technique (FOT), which does not require active cooperation, may be useful to assess bronchial responsiveness in patients with suspected occupational asthma (OA).
Methods:
Changes in resistances evaluated by FOT, and DeltaFEV1 measured during methacholine challenge test were compared in 77 adults referred for suspected OA. Spearman correlations and ROC curves were used.
Results:
R0 at the final dose of methacholine (R0hmd) and DeltaR0 were strongly correlated with DeltaFEV1 (p < 0.001). The ROC curves showed that R0hmd >or= 240% predicted was the best cut-off value to discriminate subjects with OA from nonasthmatic subjects (sensitivity: 80%, specificity: 76%).
Conclusion:
FOT can be proposed as an alternative method for the assessment of bronchial responsiveness in subjects with suspected OA, unable to correctly perform forced expiratory maneuvers.
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies
Medical History
Respiratory System Abnormal Finding I: Inspection and Percussion
Inspection Findings
During an inspection, several findings may suggest the presence of respiratory distress or disease. Pursed-lip breathing, where exhalation is slowed by...
Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
Respiratory System Abnormal Finding II: Palpation and Auscultation
Palpation Findings
During a respiratory assessment, palpation can reveal several vital abnormalities:
Assessment of Respiration
Subjective Assessment: Nurses interview the patient to gather information directly during the subjective assessment. It includes questions about the individual's medical history, medications, and symptoms, focusing on past respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD,...
Respiratory Assessment: Purpose and Indications
Objectives and Importance:
The primary goal of respiratory assessment is to evaluate patients at early risk of clinical deterioration. Since respiratory distress often precedes other signs of declining health, breathing patterns and sounds become a...

