Concurrent Validity of a Low-Cost Manometer for Objective Assessments of Respiratory Muscle Strength.

TitleConcurrent Validity of a Low-Cost Manometer for Objective Assessments of Respiratory Muscle Strength.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2024
AuthorsCurtis JA, Mocchetti V, Rameau A
JournalLaryngoscope
Volume134
Issue4
Pagination1831-1836
Date Published2024 Apr
ISSN1531-4995
KeywordsAdult, Exhalation, Humans, Muscle Strength, Reproducibility of Results, Respiratory Muscles
Abstract

OBJECTIVE(S): This study examined the agreement in maximal expiratory (MEP) and inspiratory (MIP) pressure readings between two digital manometers: (1) the MicroRPM - the gold-standard manometer for respiratory muscle strength testing; and (2) the LDM - a low-cost, commercially available, alternative manometer.

METHODS: Positive (MEP) and negative (MIP) pressures were simultaneously applied to the MicroRPM and LDM using a 3-liter syringe within a controlled laboratory setting. Pressure readings were compared, and agreement was analyzed using Lin's concordance correlation (ρc ). Agreement was interpreted as 'poor' if <0.90, 'moderate' if 0.90 - <0.95, 'substantial' if 0.95 - <0.99, and 'excellent' if ≥0.99. Twenty percent of the pressure trials were repeated by a second researcher to examine test-retest reliability.

RESULTS: A total of 150 trials were completed, ranging from -167 to +208 cmH2 O. There was a median absolute difference of 0.3 cmH2 O in pressure readings between the MicroRPM and the LDM. Lin's concordance correlation revealed 'excellent' agreement between the LDM and MicroRPM devices, with test-retest reliability assessment revealing 'substantial-to-excellent' agreement between the LDM and MicroRPM devices, with a concordance correlation coefficient of ρc  = 0.999 (95% CI: 0.999-0.999).

CONCLUSIONS: There was a median difference of 1.0% in MEP and MIP pressure readings consistently observed between the LDM and MicroRPM. Despite these relatively small differences, excellent agreement between the two manometers was present. These data suggest the LDM may be a valid, lower cost alternative to the MicroRPM for objectively assessing respiratory strength in clinical practice; however, additional research is needed in healthy adults and in patient populations.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 134:1831-1836, 2024.

DOI10.1002/lary.31106
Alternate JournalLaryngoscope
PubMed ID37837395
PubMed Central IDPMC10947978
Grant ListK76 AG079040 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States
OT2 OD032720 / OD / NIH HHS / United States
OT2 OD032720 / CD / ODCDC CDC HHS / United States