THE INFLUENCE OF LUNG-FUNCTION INFORMATION ON SELF-REPORTS OF DYSPNEABY CHILDREN WITH ASTHMA

Studied the influence of actual and false peak flow (PEF) information on dyspnea (breathlessness) in two experiments, each with 30 children with and 30 without asthma (7-17 years). Dyspnea, PEF, and lung functi on were measured before and after standardized physical exercise. Dysp nea was measured with a visual analog scale. PEF was measured with a p eak low meter and used for manipulation of dyspnea. The first experime nt showed that the relationship between dyspnea and lung function was not stronger when children had knowledge of PEF values. The second exp eriment revealed that asthmatic children who received false feedback o f 30% below the actual PEF reported significantly more dyspnea. Implic ations for the management of asthma are discussed.