A Guide to Monitoring Respiration
Professionals can monitor respiration using six biofeedback modalities: strain gauges, surface electromyography, capnometers, oximeters, inspirometers, and feedback thermometers. This article emphasizes the importance of the breathing rhythm, describes how to effectively use each modality, and explains how to minimize contamination by artifacts that masquerade as respiratory activity.
Five ways to monitor breathing.
Strain gauges to monitor thoracic and abdominal breathing.
Scalene muscles, cervical spine, and ribs. Major accessory breathing muscles. Lift first two ribs upward to expand chest. Easily monitored by surface electromyography—access above clavicle between trapezius and sternomastoid (clavicle not shown here).
Sensor placement for scalene muscles.
Sample CO2 waveforms.
Incentive spirometer or inspirometer. High value, low cost (under $10). Graphic © Pavel Skopets/Shutterstock. “POWERbreathe” explanation and video: https://player.vimeo.com/video/48362259?title=0&portrait=0&autoplay=1. Incentive spirometer instruction video (Kaiser Permanente): www.youtube.com/watch?v=-O-Zawtb32o
Contributor Notes