Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 23, 2025

Employing the Forced Oscillation Technique for the Assessment of Respiratory Mechanics in Adults
Published on: February 9, 2022
A hierarchical logistic regression predicting rapid respiratory rates from post-exertional malaise
Joseph Cotler1, Ben Z Katz2, Corine Reurts-Post3
1Department of Psychology, DePaul University, Chicago, IL, USA.
Background:
Past research has found high rates of hyperventilation in patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), but hyperventilation can be influenced by psychological factors. Clinical respiratory rates have been less frequently assessed.
Aim:
This study aimed to identify the predictors of rapid respiratory rates in patients referred to an outpatient clinic specializing in ME/CFS.
Methods:
Adults (n = 216) referred to an outpatient clinic specializing in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) participated in a two-day cardiopulmonary exercise test. As part of that evaluation, subjects had resting respiratory rates measured on two consecutive days. The current study used questionnaires to assess the relationship between tachypnea (rapid respiratory rates) and a variety of domains including post-exertional malaise (PEM), a common complaint in patients with ME/CFS, and psychiatric/somatic symptoms, using hierarchical logistic regression analysis.
Results:
PEM was a significant predictor of tachypnea, while psychological/somatic assessments and sedentary behaviors were not significantly predictive of tachypnea.
Conclusions:
These findings suggest that respiratory rate may be useful as an objective clinical metric of PEM, and potentially ME/CFS.
Related Concept Videos
Respiratory Volumes and Capacities I
Assessment of Ventilation I: Respiratory Rate
A Ventilation assessment is critical for monitoring a patient's health status. Respiration, one of the most accessible vital signs, provides insights into the function of numerous body systems and can indicate serious health issues, such as brainstem injuries from head trauma.
Critical Guidelines for Assessing Ventilation:
Acute Respiratory Failure-IV
Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Inspection
Chest Configuration
The chest configuration...
Special considerations while measuring oxygen saturation
Ensuring accuracy in vital sign recordings while prioritizing patient comfort and minimizing anxiety is...
Acute Respiratory Failure-III

