Peak Flow Meters: Are They Monitoring Tools or Training Devices?

Previous studies have been inconclusive as to whether peak flow meter use teaches asthma patients to better perceive their own pulmonary functioning. This investigation utilized a delayed baseline design to determine if pulmonary awareness could be improved among a sample of 24 adult patients who compared daily peak expiratory flow rates (PEFR) with asthma symptom ratings. Results indicated that among this sample of adult patients: (i) perception of pulmonary functioning was poor, (ii) adherence to peak flow meter use was poor, and (iii) among patients who use peak flow meters daily, self-perception of pulmonary functioning did not improve significantly. Summary tables and descriptive statistics for pulmonary functioning are provided, and treatment implications are discussed.