Impulse oscillometry is sensitive to bronchoconstriction after eucapnic voluntary hyperventilation or exercise.

Abstract

Airway responses were compared following 6-minute eucapnic voluntary hyperventilation and 6-minute exercise challenges by examining resting and post-challenge impulse oscillometry and spirometry variables. Twenty-two physically active individuals with probable exercise-induced bronchoconstriction took part in this study. Impulse oscillometry and spirometry were performed at baseline and for 20 minutes post-challenge at 5-minute intervals. High correlation was found between the two measures of change in airway function for both methods of challenge. Impulse oscillometry detected a difference in degree of response to the challenges, whereas spirometry indicated no difference, suggesting that impulse oscillometry is a more sensitive measure of change in airway function.