Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 24, 2026
Measuring Respiratory Function in Mice Using Unrestrained Whole-body Plethysmography
Published on: August 12, 2014
Pressure sensor plethysmography: a method for assessment of respiratory motion in children
P Banovcin1, J Seidenberg, H von der Hardt
1Dept of Pediatrics, Jesenius Medical Faculty, Martin, Slovakia.
Abstract:
Noncalibrated respiratory inductance plethysmography has been used to measure respiratory function by calculation of the phase angle and, more recently, by determination of the ratio of each time to reach peak tidal expiratory flow to total expiratory time (TPEF/TE). Since TPEF/TE is known to be decreased in airway obstruction when derived from flow signals obtained by a pneumotachograph, we wanted to develop an alternative method to measure rib cage and abdominal respiratory movements. For this purpose, we used two pressure sensors attached to the skin above the umbilicus and in the right medioclavicular line at the fourth intercostal space: "pressure sensor plethysmography". We tested the ability of this method to assess thoracoabdominal asynchrony and TPEF/TE by comparison with respiratory inductance plethysmographic and pneumotachographic measurements in 30 children, aged 1-12 yrs, with airway obstruction. The mean difference (95% confidence interval (95% CI)) between phase angles obtained by respiratory inductance plethysmography and pressure sensor plethysmography was only -5.8 degrees (range -18.0 to +6.4 degrees). Similarly, all methods used to measure TPEF/TE agreed well: mean differences (95% CI) between pneumotachographic and respiratory inductance plethysmographic, pneumotachographic and pressure sensor plethysmographic, and respiratory inductance plethysmographic and pressure sensor plethysmographic measurements of TPEF/TE were +0.01 (range -0.05 to +0.06), -0.03 (-0.09 to +0.03) and -0.03 (-0.10 to +0.04), respectively. We conclude that pressure sensor plethysmography is a simple and noninvasive method, and suitable to measure thoracoabdominal asynchrony and TPEF/TE ratios as well as respiratory inductance plethysmography and pneumotachography.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Assessment 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:
01:19Special considerations while measuring oxygen saturation
Ensuring accuracy in vital sign recordings while prioritizing patient comfort and minimizing anxiety is important.
01:23Assessment 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,...
01:29Assessment of Ventilation II: Respiratory Depth and Rhythm
Respiratory depth measures the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during a breath. It can vary from shallow to deep and typically remains consistent when a person is at rest or asleep. Occasionally, individuals will automatically inhale deeply, known as sighing, which inflates the lungs with more air than normal breathing.
To assess respiratory depth, observe the degree of chest excursion or movement:
01:24Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Palpation
Thoracic Palpation
Thoracic palpation detects tenderness, masses, lesions, respiratory excursions, and vocal fremitus. The nurse assesses...
01:29Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract III: Percussion
Percussion in Respiratory Assessment
Percussion evaluates underlying tissue composition with audible and tactile vibrations,...