They must be able to run and to use a peak flow meter. The FEV1 is more accurate but Vitalograph equipment is not always readily available. Both the FEV1 and the PEFR are acceptable. Request that he or she run on the level for six minutes. Circular running on a patch of lawn, up and down a quiet corridor or in a hall are all suitable.
Most children prefer to remove warm clothing and run in shorts or a skirt and a thin shirt.
A simple digital wrist watch is ideal for time keeping. Ask the patient to start running. Patients may select their own pace but should run briskly for exactly six minutes. Children running too fast can be slowed down and those moving too slowly asked to speed up. In practice, the self selected pace is usually adequate.