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Updated: Apr 5, 2026
Employing the Forced Oscillation Technique for the Assessment of Respiratory Mechanics in Adults
Published on: February 9, 2022
A new non-invasive method of infant spirometry demonstrates a level of repeatability that is comparable to
Mariann H L Bentsen1,2, Øystein A Haaland1,3, Lise B Lønning1
1Department of Pediatrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
Aim:
The FloRight system provides novel non-invasive infant spirometry based on electromagnetic inductance plethysmography. We investigated the consistency of repeated measurements carried out in a Norwegian neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) using the system and how well these were tolerated.
Methods:
Tidal flow-volume loops were obtained from 10 preterm infants at discharge, 10 stable growing preterm infants weighing about 1500 g and 10 term-born infants. A nurse experienced with the system measured all patients before and after meals, and these measurements were repeated by nurses new to the system.
Results:
The measurements were well tolerated by the infants. The repeatability for the two parameters 'tidal volume' (Vt) and 'time to peak tidal expiratory flow to total expiratory time' (Tptef/Te) were relatively poor, similar to previous methods. However, the repeatability was good for the new 'flow-volume gravity mid-point' (FVg) parameter. Repeatability was better for term than preterm infants, when measurements were obtained by the experienced nurse and for measurements carried out before meals.
Conclusion:
The FloRight system proved feasible in a NICU setting. The repeatability of the lung function measurements was similar to those reported for traditional infant spirometry. The nurse's experience and the relationship to meals appeared to be important.
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