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Related Concept Videos

Pulmonary Function Tests01:25

Pulmonary Function Tests

Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs)
Pulmonary Function Tests are crucial diagnostic tools for assessing respiratory function, particularly in patients with chronic respiratory disorders. They comprehensively evaluate lung volumes, ventilatory function, breathing mechanics, diffusion, and gas exchange. These tests help diagnose pulmonary diseases and play a significant role in monitoring disease progression, evaluating disability, and assessing response to therapy.
PFTs involve using a spirometer, a...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies01:27

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies

Assessing and diagnosing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) involves a detailed approach that includes a comprehensive review of medical history, physical examination, and a variety of diagnostic tests. This thorough evaluation is essential to ensure an accurate diagnosis and guide effective management strategies.
Medical History
Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation01:19

Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation

Besides the pressure difference between the external environment and the lungs, the airflow rate and ease of pulmonary ventilation are also influenced by three other factors: surface tension of the fluid in the alveoli, compliance of the lungs, and airway resistance.
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease01:24

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

COPD is defined as a heterogeneous lung condition marked by persistent respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and sputum production, caused by abnormalities in the airways that cause airflow obstruction.
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care01:29

Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care

Diagnosing Pulmonary EmbolismDiagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) involves clinical assessment and advanced imaging tests. The preferred diagnostic tool is the spiral (helical) CT scan or CT angiography (CTA), which uses intravenous contrast media to visualize the pulmonary vasculature and identify emboli.A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is an alternative for patients unable to receive contrast media. This scan includes both perfusion and ventilation scanning. Perfusion scanning involves...
COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features01:20

COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of lung conditions that progressively worsen over time, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. This cluster of diseases collectively leads to a gradual and irreversible decline in lung function over time.
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Home-Based Prescribed Pulmonary Exercise in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
07:10

Home-Based Prescribed Pulmonary Exercise in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Published on: August 24, 2019

Have Pulmonary Function Testing Rates Recovered Post-COVID-19 Pandemic?: A Population-based Study.

Javier Silva-Valencia1, Karen Tu2, Krystle Amog3

  • 1Research and Innovation, North York General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.

Respiratory Medicine
|July 11, 2026
PubMed
Summary

Pulmonary function test (PFT) rates remain 27% lower than pre-pandemic levels in Ontario, Canada, even three years later. This decline disproportionately affects males, adults, urban residents, and those of lower socioeconomic status, indicating persistent disparities in respiratory care.

Keywords:
COVID-19Diagnostic TestsHealth servicesPulmonary function testingRespiratory diseasesSpirometry

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Using Continuous Data Tracking Technology to Study Exercise Adherence in Pulmonary Rehabilitation
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Using Continuous Data Tracking Technology to Study Exercise Adherence in Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Published on: November 8, 2013

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Last Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Home-Based Prescribed Pulmonary Exercise in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
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Published on: August 24, 2019

Using Continuous Data Tracking Technology to Study Exercise Adherence in Pulmonary Rehabilitation
09:42

Using Continuous Data Tracking Technology to Study Exercise Adherence in Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Published on: November 8, 2013

Area of Science:

  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Public Health
  • Health Services Research

Background:

  • Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) are essential for diagnosing and managing respiratory diseases like COPD and asthma.
  • PFTs were restricted during the COVID-19 pandemic due to their aerosol-generating nature, impacting routine respiratory care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the return of Pulmonary Function Test capacity to pre-pandemic levels in a large North American cohort.
  • To identify demographic disparities in PFT utilization post-pandemic.

Main Methods:

  • A population cohort study was conducted using health administrative data from Ontario, Canada (2015-2023).
  • Incidence rate ratios (IRR) compared observed PFT rates to pre-pandemic expectations.
  • Subgroup analyses examined PFT utilization across various demographic characteristics.

Main Results:

  • Over 8.3 million PFTs were performed on 2.68 million individuals.
  • As of December 2023, PFT rates were 27% lower than pre-pandemic levels (IRR 0.73).
  • Lower recovery rates were observed in males, adults aged 18-65, urban residents, and individuals of lower socioeconomic status.

Conclusions:

  • PFT utilization has not returned to pre-pandemic levels in Ontario, over three years after the pandemic's onset.
  • Significant disparities in PFT recovery exist across demographic groups.
  • Findings suggest persistent reductions in PFT access and potential care disparities for respiratory conditions.