Studies in psychophysiology and behavioral medicine have uncovered
associations among psychological processes, behavior, and lung
function. However, methodological issues specific to the
measurement of mechanical lung function have rarely been discussed.
This report presents an overview of the physiology, techniques,
and experimental methods of mechanical lung function measurements
relevant to this research context. Techniques to measure lung
volumes, airflow, airway resistance, respiratory resistance,
and airflow perception are introduced and discussed. Confounding
factors such as ventilation, medication, environmental factors,
physical activity, and instructional and experimenter effects
are outlined, and issues specific to children and clinical groups
are discussed. Recommendations are presented to increase the
degree of standardization in the research application and
publication of mechanical lung function measurements in
psychophysiology.