Lung function experiments

Activity 2 - Forced vital capacity tests

In this activity, we will simulate forced expiration.

Forced vital capacity tests are clinically used in evaluating pulmonary function. In the trace below, the subject begins by breathing normally. Then, the subject is asked to inhale maximally and then exhale as forcefully and fully as possible (exhaling until no more air can be expired out of the lungs).

Instructions

1. Press Start to begin quiet breathing.
2. After a few moments, press Perform VCM to simulate a vital capacity manoeuvre.
3. Once the time has elapsed, place a reference marker at the end of the peak.
4. Using this marker, measure the FVC and FEV₁ values. Enter your results into the table below.

Note: The simulation runs at 5× normal speed

Use the spirometer trace to estimate the subjects'; forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁).

The percentage of air exhaled in the first second (FEV₁/FVC%) will be automatically calculated from your answers.

Congrats! You got everything correct.