Resumen de Design, construction and validation of a low-cost device to measure maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures
C. Aymerich Moreno, M. Rodríguez Lázaro, J. Otero Díaz, Ramón Farré Ventura
Measurement of maximal inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory pressures (MEP) is the most widely used technique to noninvasively evaluate respiratory muscle strength in clinical practice. Moreover, it is thought that MIP and MEP could serve as accurate markers for respiratory disease prognostics, but more evidence is needed. Commercial devices that perform this test range from whole body plethysmographs to portable spirometers, both expensive and covering a wide range of respiratory tests. Given that a portable, low-cost and specific option for MIP and MEP measuring device is not available right now in the market, a high-performance and easy-to-build prototype has been developed to fill the gap. The novel device has been based on an Arduino microcontroller with a digital display, an integrated pressure transducer, and a 3D printed case (total retail cost 80 €). The validation of the device was performed by comparison with a laboratory reference setting, and results showed an accuracy within ±1%. As the device design will be published as open source, free replication and use in low-resources countries will be facilitated. Moreover, the availability of the device can contribute to obtain further evidence on respiratory disease prognostic markers.
