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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2022 Jul 1.
Published in final edited form as: J Neurol Phys Ther. 2021 Jul 1;45(3):235–242. doi: 10.1097/NPT.0000000000000360

Table 3.

Quantitative Measures of Respiratory Function73,75

Type of assessment Description Equipment
MIP (also PImax) Maximal inspired pressure generated at the mouth; reflects inspiratory muscle strength Pressure manometer with flanged mouthpiece, filter, nose clip
SNIP Short, sharp voluntary inspiratory maneuver performed through one or both unconcluded nostrils; reflects inspiratory muscle strength Pressure manometer, nasal catheter
MEP (also PEmax) Maximal expired pressure generated at the mouth; reflects expiratory muscle strength Pressure manometer with flanged mouthpiece, filter, nose clip
FVC Maximal volume of air exhaled with maximal forced effort from a maximal inspiration Spirometer, filter, nose clip
FEV1 Maximal volume of air exhaled in the first second of a forced expiration from a position of full inspiration Spirometer, filter, nose clip
PEF Highest flow achieved from a maximum forced expiratory maneuver started without hesitation from a position of maximal lung inflation Peak flow meter or spirometer, filter, nose clip

Abbreviations: MIP or PImax, maximal inspiratory pressure; SNIP, sniff nasal inspiratory pressure; MEP or PEmax, maximal expiratory pressure; FVC, forced vital capacity; FEV1, forced expiratory volume in 1-second, PEF, peak expiratory flow