Maximum Inspiratory Pressures/ Maximum Expiratory Pressures

This test measures the amount of pressure your inspiratory and expiratory muscles can exert. It is helpful in evaluating possible respiratory muscle weakness.

Performing the test

1. You will be asked to come on the mouthpiece with noseclips on and to breathe normally. The door is left open during this test
2. You will be asked to blow out until you are empty
3. The shutter will close and you will be asked to inhale against the shutter as hard as you can for at least 1 second
4. You will repeat until there are 3 good inspiratory efforts
5. Next your expiratory pressures will be measured. You will be asked to come on the mouthpiece with noseclips on and to breathe normally
6. You will then breathe normally and take in a complete breath
7. The shutter will close and you will blow as hard as possible against it for at least 1 second
8. You will repeat until there are 3 good efforts