[Measurement of respiratory resistance by forced oscillations in healthy children (author's transl)]

Abstract

The measurement of respiratory resistance by forced oscillations, a theory known for over 20 years, has found a practical application by a simplification of the method. The comparison with the plethysmographic measurement of the resistance of airways in 27 healthy children shows a good correlation (r = 0,73), similarly with F.E.V1 (r = 0,78) and peak flow (r = 0,61). This technique does not require the forced expiration demanded by the measurement of F.E.V1 and peak flow and it does not need the costly equipment of body plethysmography. In this technique the causes of error are easy to detect. Its rapid execution and the absence of discomfort should make it a choice method in the functional respiratory tests in the child.