A study on the clinical usefulness, validity, and test-retest reliability of the Spirokit, a device that combines the pulmonary function test and respiratory muscle strength test

Abstract

Objective: This study was conducted to identify the clinical usefulness, validity, and reliability of the Spirokit, a device that combines the pulmonary function test (PFT) and respiratory muscle strength (RMS) test. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Forty young adults (male: 23, female: 17) participated in a PFT and a RMS test. The concurrent validity for pulmonary function was assessed by comparing data obtained from MicroQuark and the Spirokit and the agreements between the MicroRPM and the Spirokit for RMS were compared. The test-retest reliability of the Spirokit was determined by comparing data obtained from the first and second sessions. The test and retest were performed at the same time after one day for the PFT and RMS test. Validity was estimated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), and by calculating 95% limits of agreement (LoA). To estimate interrater reliability, ICCs were calculated. Results: The Spirokit showed a high agreement intra class coefficient (ICC [2, 1]): 0.978-0.999, 95% limits of agreements (95% LOA): −0.798 to 0.847 with MicroQuark. It also showed a high level of concordance ICC (2, 1): 0.992 to 0.993, 95% LOA: −9.313 to 11.169 with MicroRPM. The test-retest reliability of the Spirokit was analyzed using ICC (2, 1), and showed a high level of reliability (ICC [2,1]=0.960 to 0.998). Standard error of measurement % (SEM%) was 0.12% to 3.39%, and minimum detectable change% (MDC%) was 0.02% to 3.79%, indicating high level of reliability. Conclusions: The Spirokit is a device with high validity and reliability that can be used to simultaneously measure PFT and RMS tests.