Pulmonary Function Measurement
Vital capacity was one of the variables collected, for its evaluation an
Analog Ventilometer (Ferraris - Mark 8 Wright Respirometer, Louisville,
CO, USA) was used. The device was connected to a face mask (in the
expiratory branch) and the patient was guided over all the phases of the
test, then it was unlocked, zeroed and, soon after, the face mask was
positioned on the patient’s face, performing a deep inspiration until
the total pulmonary capacity. Subsequently, a long and gradual
exhalation was performed until reaching the residual volume. After the
instructions and the procedure, the ventilometer was temporarily locked
and the result was observed and recorded. The test was repeated three
times and the highest value was taken into account13.
Peak expiratory flow was another variable, assessed using the Mini
Wright® peak flow. During the evaluation, the patient was seated, with
his head in neutral and using a nose clip - preventing air from escaping
through the nostrils. Then, the patient was asked to take a deep breath,
until the total pulmonary capacity, and then a forced exhalation was
performed with the mouth on the device. After three measurements were
made, the highest value was chosen, with no difference greater than 40
liters between measurements13.