Are nose clips required for measurements of PImax and PEmax?
The use of nose clips is not a requirement for PImax or PEmax as leakage through the nose does not feature in the process of performing or measuring a mouth pressure test.
2002 ATS/ERS Joint Statement on Respiratory Muscle Testing
"Subjects are normally seated and nose clips are not required. Subjects often need coaching to prevent air leaks around the mouthpiece and to support the cheeks during the expiratory efforts, and this may be helped by having them pinch their lips around the mouthpiece"
Should the second nostril be blocked during a SNIP manoeuvre?
The second nostril needs to remain open during the performance of the SNIP test, to ensure a flow of air and prevent glottis closure.
2002 ATS/ERS Joint Statement on Respiratory Muscle Testing
"A sniff is a short, sharp voluntary inspiratory manoeuvre through one or both* unoccluded nostrils. Sniffs can be achieved only when one or both nostrils are unoccluded, to allow the passage of air"
What consumable items, and cleaning procedures, are required for the MicroRPM or MicroRMA?
A complete check list of the consumable and cleaning requirements is detailed in the 'Training Resources' section under:
MicroRPM Cleaning and Consumables
MicroRMA Cleaning and Consumables
What are the additional measurements of MRPD, MRR and Tau?
MRPD (Maximum Rate of Pressure Development) is a measure of respiratory muscle fatigue. The steepest gradient of the pressure development curve is located and reported in cmH2O per second. This value will decrease with fatigue, whilst a typical value is 525cmH2O¯¹.
MRR (Maximum Rate of Relaxation) is a measure of respiratory muscle fatigue. The steepest gradient of the pressure decay curve is located, and is then calculated as a percentage of the UDIP/UDEP value. This value will increase with fatigue, whilst a typical value is 6.5%.
Tau is a measure of fatigue. It is the reciprocal value of the slope of the logged pressure data between 50-70% of the pressure decay curve per millisecond. This value increases with fatigue, whilst a typical value is 62 ms¯¹.