Embodiments of the present invention provide methods of extracting optimal information from a flow/volume loop concerning the patient's respiratory condition by examining the overall shape of the space under the flow/volume loop's expiration portion. In some embodiments, this is done with reference to the center of mass of that space. In some embodiments, this is done with reference to the area of that space. Some embodiments are significantly less affected by random/statistical variations and/or noise within the measurement system than existing methods.
