Why is Spirometry Important for Metabolic Testing?

In this video, Andrew Sellars and Sean Seale discuss the importance of Spirometry for Metabolic Testing.
Spirometry (meaning the measuring of breath) is the most common of the pulmonary function tests (PFTs). It measures lung function, specifically the amount (volume) and/or speed (flow) of air that can be inhaled and exhaled. Spirometry is helpful in assessing breathing patterns that identify conditions such as asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, and COPD. It is also helpful as part of a system of health surveillance, in which breathing patterns are measured over time. When used in conjunction with VO2 testing, spirometry can help give important information to an athlete and coach regarding baseline structure (FEV6) and function (FEV1).
Spirometry can generate pneumotachographs, which are charts that plot the volume and flow of air coming in and out of the lungs from one inhalation and one exhalation. We may look at these in more detail in future episodes.
Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV6) is the amount of air that can be forcefully exhaled over a six second interval, and is a close approximation of Vital Capacity, which is the total amount of air the lungs can hold. FEV6 is dependent on four main factors:
The height of the athlete or patient, The ability of the diaphragm to contract and displace the abdomen downwards , Costovertebral joint mobility (appropirate motion at the connection of the ribs to the spinal column), Thoracic mobility.
FEV1 is the amount of air that can be forcefully exhaled in a single second. This is a measure of the functional ability of the respiratory muscles, but can also be limited by the size of the trachea, or through obstructive processes like asthma. FEV1 is more indicative of how much an athlete will be able to breathe when pushed to maximal exertion during exercise testing.
The ratio of FEV1/FEV6 gives an indication of whether any limitation is functional or structural in nature. Appropriate ratios for different aged athletes can be seen in the attached articles, as well as normative ranges for different populations.
Resources:
- www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...
- www.njppp.com/fulltext/28-1355...
- www.journalpulmonology.org/pt...
- www.scielo.br/j/jbpneu/a/DBWm...
WHAT IS VO2 MASTER?
The VO2 Master Analyzer is the ultimate portable metabolic analyzer. At a weight of 200 grams, the VO2 Master Analyzer provides the best field testing conditions currently available. No tubes, cables or backpacks needed. Testing data is streamed directly to our free mobile app where it can be viewed in real time. Test VO2 Max, determine training zones, resting metabolic rate, breathing coordination and more.
CONNECT WITH US:
► Subscribe for more videos here: / vo2master
► LinkedIn: / vo2-master
► Facebook: / vo2master
► Instagram: / vo2master
► Twitter: / vo2master
SHOP VO2 MASTER:
► VO2 Master Analyzer: vo2master.com/product/analyzer/
► Learn More: vo2master.com/