Blood pressure, grip strength and lung function measurement
THORACIC, LUNG
Standardised measurement protocols were used as follows. For blood pressure, the participant was asked to sit on a chair with legs uncrossed and their right arm resting comfortably, palm up, on a table, with the sphygmomanometers positioned so that they could not see the display. The participant was asked to expose their right arm, making sure that rolled up sleeves did not restrict circulation and that any watches or bracelets had been removed and, the sphygmomanometer cuff was then positioned over the brachial artery. After 3 minutes of quiet rest, 3 readings with a minute’s rest between each reading were recorded using the first device. The device was then changed and after a further 2 minutes rest, 3 readings were taken using the second device. There was no talking until three readings on both devices had been completed.Grip strength assessment was based on a published measurement protocol [Lung function measurements adhered to the American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society (ATS/ERS) lung function protocol [Readings for blood pressure, grip strength and lung function using the Micro Medical spirometer were data entered twice, independently, and compared to ensure accuracy. Lung function readings taken using the ndd Easy on-PC spirometer were downloaded directly from the laptop.