the feasibility and reproducibility of the MicroRint pulmonary function test in people with an intellectual disability, aged 50 years and older.

For early diagnosis, adequate treatment and follow-up of chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease, pulmonary function testing is essential. However, routine
pulmonary function testing (spirometry) is not feasible in many people with
intellectual disability. An alternative method is the interrupter technique
(MicroRint).Using this technique, airway resistance is measured during normal
breathing. MicroRint is feasible in children with severe neurological
impairment, but feasibility has not been evaluated in adults with intellectual
disabilities.

To determine feasibility and reproducibility of MicroRint pulmonary function
testing in 50+ people with different levels of intellectual disability.

Residents aged 50 years and over will be recruited through three Dutch care
providers for people with intellectual disabilities. Per level of intellectual
disability, 30 persons will be included. Feasibility (willing to participate?
accepting facemask? tolerating the measurement? interpretable results?) as well
as short-time (within one hour) and long-time (one to two weeks later)
reproducibility will be assessed.

There will be minimal burden associated with participation. During the testing
the client has to sit in a chair and can breath normally. There will be
familiar person present to assure the burden is as small as possible. This
person and the researcher decide together if or when the test is to much of a
burden for the client. The testing then will be stopped and if possible
restarted after a few minutes. If this is not possible the testing will be
stopped.