Spirometry and Respiratory Physical Therapy Laboratory (LEFiR)

Lab coordinators: Maurício Jamami, Ph.D. and Valéria Amorim Pires Di Lorenzo, Ph.D.

The LEFiR aims to assess lung function using spirometer and peak flow meter, respiratory muscle using analog and digital manovacuometers, and upper and lower extremities muscle strength using digital hand-held and handgrip (Jamar®) dynamometers.

Functional capacity is also assessed in the LEFiR using functional status tests (e.g., walking test, 6-minute step test, shuttle walk test) and physical exercise tests on a treadmill or bicycle. We use gas analyzers, heart rate monitor, pulse oximeter, blood pressure monitors, stethoscope, and frequency meter (Polar) to perform functional assessment tests. We investigate the effects of aerobic and resistance training protocols and low-cost home pulmonary rehabilitation for patients with chronic lung disease (e.g., COPD). Activities of daily living are also assessed using a gas analyzer, actigraphs, pedometers, pulse oximeter, walking track, stairs, dumbells, and dyspnea scales. Research projects are funded by FAPESP and CNPq.

Infrastructure: the laboratory has 100 m2 and rooms for patient screening, data processing, spirometry, manovacuometry, ergospirometry, physical training, and evaluation of lower and upper limbs. The lab is equipped with spirometers (Cosmed microQuark and SpiroPALM 6MWT), portable gas analyzer (VO2000), digital electrocardiograph (Wincardio), analog and digital manovacuometers, portable digital and hydraulic dynamometers (Jamar and Microfet), bioimpedance balance, anthropometric balance, portable peak flow devices, several models of incentive spirometer, and physical training equipment (i.e., treadmill, bicycle, elliptical, weight training station, and dumbbells). The lab has tabletop and portable pulse oximeters, blood pressure measuring devices, stethoscopes, and portable oxygen concentrator and cylinders to ensure patient safety during evaluation and rehabilitation. The lab also has non-invasive ventilation (Respironics), cough assist (Phillips), incentive spirometer (Voldyne, Respiron), and devices for respiratory muscle training (POWERbreathe). The lab has ten actigraphs (Activ-Pal3) and four smart shirts (Hexoskin) to monitor the level of physical activity.
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