7.15—Core Practical 17 - exercise and spirometer traces

During exercise, ventilation increases to bring in more oxygen and remove more carbon dioxide. A spirometer can record breathing volume over time so rate, tidal volume and total ventilation can be compared.

Calibrate the apparatus, keep posture and workload consistent, collect repeated traces and distinguish breathing rate from depth. Use a control or resting trace for comparison.

A person may increase ventilation by breathing deeper, faster or both. A larger trace area does not automatically mean a higher oxygen uptake unless the gas measurement is calibrated.

Spirometry measures air movement, not directly ATP production. Leaks, mouthpiece position and exercise intensity can distort the trace.