PULMONARY FUNCTION AND PHYSIOTHERAPY1 1Based on a lecture to the Victorian Branch of the Australian Physiotherapy Association in May, 1958.

There are three aspects to any consideration of pulmonary function. Normal pulmonary function requires (1) efficient transfer of gases to and from the blood across the alveolo-capillary membrane, (2) effective distribution of blood through the entire pulmonary capillary bed and (3) efficient alveolar ventilation. All are of equal importance but one or other aspect may be predominantly disturbed by any particular disease