The development and validation of a digital peak respiratory pressure monitor and its characteristics in healthy human subjects.

A digital peak respiratory pressure (DPRP) monitor for determining maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) was developed using a pressure transducer and an analog to digital converter. It was calibrated using a mercury manometer. Human studies were conducted in healthy young adults in order to determine within-subject and inter-individual variability, as well as diurnal variations and gender differences in maximal respiratory pressures. The calibration studies for the instrument indicated that the instrument recorded accurate pressures, with little temporal drift. Within-subject variability was generally low while inter-individual variability was higher and significant. Gender differences were similar to those recorded in literature for other racial groups. The DPRP monitor described is inexpensive, accurate and portable, making it ideal for use at the patient's bedside.