Measuring the mechanical input impedance of the respiratory system with breath-driven flow oscillations

Abstract

The technique of oscillometry for measuring the mechanical input impedance of the respiratory system is gaining traction as a clinical diagnostic tool, but the portability of existing commercially available devices is limited by the size and weight of oscillator motors and power supplies. We show that impedance can be measured by oscillations in mouth pressure and flow generated by mucus-clearing devices that are powered by the subject’s own respiratory flow. This principle might thus be employed in lightweight ambulatory oscillometry devices.