S. Rietveld et al., THE INFLUENCE OF LUNG-FUNCTION INFORMATION ON SELF-REPORTS OF DYSPNEABY CHILDREN WITH ASTHMA, Journal of pediatric psychology, 21(3), 1996, pp. 367-377
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.