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.