Sensitivity and specificity of the computational model for maximal expiratory flow

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Abstract
The computational model for forced expiratory flow from human lungs was used to investigate the sensitivity of maximal expiratory flow to lung properties. Maximal flow is very sensitive to recoil pressure and airway area but not very sensitive to lung volume, airway compliance and airway length. Linear programming was used to show that a given air flow-pressure curve was compatible with a fairly wide range of airway properties. Additional data for maximal flow with a He-O2 mixture narrowed the range somewhat. The flow-pressure curve contains more information about central than peripheral airways and information about the latter is obtainable only from flows at recoils < 2 cmH2O. Parameter ranges compatible with individual flow-pressure curves showed differences that demonstrated that such curves give some indication of individual central airway properties.