Setting up the PowerLab Sensor Spirometer and gas collection for exercise physiology labs

In this video Sola, one of our instructional designers, takes you through the process of setting up the PowerLab Sensors Spirometer and Biopotential for an experiment using an exercise bike.

Equipment

• PowerLab Sensor Spirometer
  • Holster
  • Mounting Clamp
  • Douglas Bags
  • Nose Clip
• PowerLab Sensor Biopotential
• Skin Prep Gel
• Alcohol Swabs
• Medical Tape
• Exercise Bike
• Computer with Lt or Lt LabStation

Setting Up For The Experiment

The Spirometer

1. Plug in the Spirometer Sensor. It contains internal circuitry that requires 15 minutes to warm up.
2. Attach the mouthpiece to the filter, then attach the filter to the non-rebreathing valve.
3. Connect the short tubing to the "outflow" port of the non-rebreathing valve.
4. Connect the other end of that short tubing to the Spirometer Sensor.
5. Attach the long tubing to the front of the spirometer.
6. Connect the opposite end of the long tubing to the 3-way valve.
7. Insert the one-way valves into the tubing leading to the Douglas bags.
   Note: Ensure the arrow on the valve is pointing in the direction of the airflow (toward the bag).
8. Connect the bags to the one-way valves and set the 3-way tap to the closed position or to the specific bag you wish to fill first.

The Biopotential

1. Have the volunteer rub the electrode sites with skin prep gel, then clean the area with an alcohol swab.
2. Attach the first electrode to the center of the right collarbone. Follow the lab protocol for the remaining electrode locations.
3. Tape the electrode cables to the volunteer’s back to prevent the cables from swinging.

The Bike

1. Have the volunteer sit on the bike. Adjust the seat height so the knee remains slightly flexed when the pedal is at its lowest point.
2. Attach the mounting clamp to the bike handle and place the spirometer into its holster.

Software

1. Ensure the spirometer is sitting undisturbed on the bike. In the software, select "Zero Inputs."
2. Begin the Experiment:
   1. Place the nose clip on the volunteer.
   2. Have the volunteer insert the mouthpiece.
   3. Click "Start" in the software and monitor the data panel for incoming flow and biopotential signals.

Learn more about PowerLab Sensors >>

Learn more about the PowerLab Sensor Spirometer >>

Learn more about the PowerLab Sensor Biopotential >>