New reference values for maximal respiratory pressures in the Brazilian population.
OBJECTIVE
To compare MIP and MEP determined in healthy subjects with those predicted using the equations proposed in another study, and, if necessary, to suggest new equations for MIP and MEP to be used in the Brazilian population.


METHODS
The study sample comprised 60 healthy males and 60 healthy females, 20-80 years of age (20 subjects per ten-year age bracket). Maximal respiratory pressures were determined following a standardized protocol.


RESULTS
Regarding MIP, the measured values were significantly lower than those predicted for both males (31%) and females (24%). There were no significant differences between measured and predicted MEP in either gender. We found that age presented the greatest power to predict MIP and MEP in both genders. New equations were proposed.


CONCLUSIONS
The previously proposed equations were unable to predict MIP and MEP for all of the subjects in our sample. Therefore, the results of this study can facilitate the prediction of respiratory muscle strength in healthy adult subjects in Brazil. Further studies, involving subjects from different regions of the country, could lead to the development of better tables or equations for maximal respiratory pressures in the Brazilian population.
Costa
Dirceu
D
Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil . dcosta@uninove.br
Gonçalves
Helena Amaral
HA
Lima
Luciana Peraro de
LP
Ike
Daniela
D
Cancelliero
Karina Maria
KM
Montebelo
Maria Imaculada de Lima
MI
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001938:Brazil; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D011312:Pressure; D012015:Reference Standards; D012132:Respiratory Muscles / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult