What is the MVV test?

The maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) is another measure of the neuromuscular and respiratory systems. The MVV is the total volume of air exhaled during 12 sec of rapid, deep breathing, which can be compared with a predicted MVV defined as the forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) × 35 or 40.

 

What is the normal value for MVV?

Breathing Reserve (BR) is usually determined during a pulmonary exercise stress test. It is the difference between the maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) and the maximum ventilation measured during the exercise test. Normal males have a breathing reserve of 15 liters per minute or 20 to 40% of the MVV

 

Is the MVV:FEV Ratio Useful for Assessing Spirometry Validity?

The ratio between the maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) and the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) has been proposed as an indicator of the adequacy of a subject's efforts in disability determinations and other spirometry applications. Data from a large population of industrial workers tested in a university pulmonary function laboratory were examined and a smaller clinical population was used to validate the conclusions. The MVV:FEV1 ratio was not affected to a clinically significant degree by age, degree of functional abnormality, or administration of an aerosolized bronchodilator. The ratio was too variable to be of use in determining whether an individuals results are reliable, but the determination of the average ratio for a large group of subjects may be useful in evaluating the overall performance of a spirometry laboratory.