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. 2003 Sep;58(9):761–764. doi: 10.1136/thorax.58.9.761

Short and long term variability of the interrupter technique under field and standardised conditions in 3–6 year old children

R Beelen 1, H Smit 1, R T van Strien 1, L Koopman 1, J Brussee 1, B Brunekreef 1, J Gerritsen 1, P Merkus 1
PMCID: PMC1746802  PMID: 12947133

Abstract

Methods: The interrupter technique was studied under field and standardised conditions in children aged 3–6 years. Under field conditions, five investigators performed the measurements using two different measurement devices in random sequence. Both short term (20–30 minutes) and long term variability (median 38 days) were assessed in 32 children. Under standardised conditions, a single investigator conducted all measurements using a single device; the repeated measurements were conducted at the same time of day in a familiar quiet classroom. Long term variability (median 11 days) was estimated in 15 children. Within-subject standard deviations were estimated by analysis of variance with adjustment for the effects of different investigators and measurement devices on within-subject variability under field conditions.

Results: Under field conditions within-subject standard deviations for short and long term variability were 0.10 kPa/l/s (adjusted 0.10 kPa/l/s) and 0.13 kPa/l/s (adjusted 0.14 kPa/l/s), respectively. Under standardised conditions the within-subject standard deviation for long term variability was 0.10 kPa/l/s.

Conclusions: Measurement of interrupter resistance under field conditions only slightly increased the within-subject variability compared with standardised conditions. The results indicate that interrupter resistance is a stable individual characteristic over a period of some weeks.

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Selected References

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