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Wellness Center

Lung Function


Using a machine called a spirometer we can assess your lung function. The spirometer test is used to detect abnormalities in lung volume, flow rate that may be a result of smoking, asthma, emphysema, and/or respiratory problems. Lung volumes are categorized by two major components, vital capacity and total lung capacity. Vital capacity includes your inspiratory reserve volume, your tidal volume (Normal breathing range), and expiratory reserve volume. Total lung capacity is the measurement of your vital capacity and your residual volume (the remaining air in your lungs after a maximal expiration).

Forced Vital Capacity (FVC)

“The vital capacity test is one of the oldest and most common respiratory tests and is used to identify the effects of smoking, disease, environment or as part of a hydrostatic weighing test for body composition.” (Adams, 1990)

FEV1 (Forced Expired Volume, 1 second)

The FEV1 measures the ability for an individual to expire air quickly. It is taken at the first second of a vital capacity test, which would denote the 1-second in the title. Individuals who have respiratory abnormalities may show a decreased ability to expire air quickly.