Comparison of classic and 4-phase rhinomanometry methods, is there any difference?

BACKGROUND

There are various different parameters used to measure nasal airway resistance (NAR) in rhinomanometry, which include the classic method at fixed pressure of 150Pa or 75Pa and 4-phase rhinomanometry. This study aims to determine if there is any difference between the measurements of NAR obtained by the classic and 4-phase rhinomanometry methods.

METHODOLOGY

In-vitro study with measurements of NAR using both methods when applied across four artificial nose models.

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences were found between NAR values obtained from both methods. Strong, positive correlations were found between NAR measured with both methods, which were statistically significant. Bland-Altman method also showed good agreement between both methods with narrow limits of agreement.

CONCLUSION

There is high level of conformity between the values of nasal airway resistance measured using both methods.