Measuring lung volume Flashcards
What are the five factors that determine the capacity of your lungs?
- Age
- Height
- Sex
- Health
- Fitness/training
These factors influence lung elasticity, size, and overall respiratory health.
What is Tidal Volume (TV)?
The volume of air inspired or expired per breath, approximately 500ml during breathing at rest.
TV changes after exercise and during recovery.
How does Tidal Volume (TV) change during recovery?
TV drops rapidly after exercise, followed by a gradual decrease, remaining higher than resting levels until oxygen debt is repaid.
This indicates the body’s effort to restore normal oxygen levels.
What is frequency (f) in terms of breathing?
The number of breaths taken in one minute, approximately 12-15 breaths at rest.
Frequency increases significantly during exercise.
What is Minute Ventilation (VE)?
The volume of air inspired or expired per minute, calculated as VE = TV x f.
For example, 500ml x 15 = 7500 ml/min or 7.5 l/min.
Why does Minute Ventilation (VE) stay elevated during recovery?
- More CO2 needs to be exhaled
- To repay oxygen debt (EPOC)
- Removal of Lactic Acid
- Replenish Myoglobin stores
This reflects the body’s recovery processes post-exercise.
What does EPOC stand for?
Excess Post Exercise Oxygen Consumption.
EPOC indicates increased oxygen intake after strenuous activity.
How do lung volumes change during exercise?
Respiration increases with exercise intensity, increasing both frequency (f) and depth (TV) of breathing, leading to higher VE.
During maximal work, the increase in frequency becomes more significant.
What is the definition of Vital Capacity (VC)?
The total volume of air that can be inspired and expired.
VC is a key indicator of lung health and function.
What is Total Lung Capacity (TLC)?
The total volume of lungs at maximum inflation, calculated using the formula TLC = RV + VC.
TLC includes all lung volumes.
What is Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV)?
The volume of air available that could be inspired after tidal volume.
IRV reflects lung capacity beyond normal breathing.
What is Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV)?
The volume of air available that could be expired after tidal volume.
ERV indicates how much air can be pushed out beyond a normal breath.
What is Residual Volume (RV)?
The volume of air that is left in the lungs after total forced expiration.
RV ensures that the lungs do not collapse.
What is the typical resting Tidal Volume (TV)?
Approximately 500 ml per breath.
This is the standard measure for healthy adults at rest.
What can Tidal Volume (TV) increase to during exercise?
Increases up to around 3-4 litres per breath.
This demonstrates the lungs’ adaptability during physical exertion.
What is the typical frequency (f) of breaths at rest?
Approximately 12-15 breaths per minute.
This baseline can vary with individual health and fitness levels.
What can the frequency (f) increase to during exercise?
Increases to 40-60 breaths per minute.
Increased frequency supports greater oxygen demands during physical activity.
What is the typical Minute Ventilation (VE) at rest?
6-7.5 l/min.
This indicates the volume of air moved in and out of the lungs at rest.
What can Minute Ventilation (VE) increase to in smaller individuals during maximal exercise?
Increases up to 120 l/min.
Larger individuals or aerobically trained athletes may reach even higher values.
What is the maximum Minute Ventilation (VE) for larger individuals or aerobically trained athletes?
Increases up to 180 l/min.
This reflects their enhanced lung capacity and fitness levels.
Draw the tidal volume graph
if too hard theres a simplified version on other card
Draw the simplified version of the tidal volume graph
