Abstract
[Purpose] There is a large variance in published maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) data. We propose video instruction as a method of instruction for undergoing MIP testing. Two types of instruction were compared: video-watching instruction (VW), in which participants watched a recorded demonstration of the MIP measurement procedure; and personal explanation instruction (PE), a traditional in-person demonstration provided by the researcher. We conducted a cross-over design experiment with a 12-week washout period, and counterbalanced the order in which the 2 methods were trialed. [Methods] Participants (n = 40, mean age 21.0 ± 2.5 y) were randomly assigned to either the VW or the PE group. Twelve weeks after receiving instruction, half of the participants from each group were retested for their MIP after receiving the alternate instruction method. [Results] We found no between-participants or within-participants differences in MIP between the VW and PE instruction methods, indicating that the participants performed equally well in the measurement. The intraclass correlation coefficient indicated that MIP measurements after both instruction methods had good reproducibility. [Conclusions] Video instruction provides consistency in delivering instruction, reduces labor, and provides reliability in delivering MIP. These benefits will allow larger, multiple-site studies to be conducted.
