| Abstract: | Background: The maximum static respiratory pressures, namely the maximum inspiratory pressure(MIP) and maximum expiratory pressure (MEP), reflect the strength of therespiratory muscles. These measures are simple, non-invasive, and have establisheddiagnostic and prognostic value. This study is the first to examine the maximumrespiratory pressures within the Brazilian population according to therecommendations proposed by the American Thoracic Society and European RespiratorySociety (ATS/ERS) and the Brazilian Thoracic Association (SBPT). Objective:To establish reference equations, mean values, and lower limits of normality forMIP and MEP for each age group and sex, as recommended by the ATS/ERS and SBPT.Method:We recruited 134 Brazilians living in Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil, aged 20-89years, with a normal pulmonary function test and a body mass index within thenormal range. We used a digital manometer that operationalized the variablemaximum average pressure (MIP/MEP). At least five tests were performed for bothMIP and MEP to take into account a possible learning effect. Results:We evaluated 74 women and 60 men. The equations were as follows: MIP=63.27-0.55(age)+17.96 (gender)+0.58 (weight), r2 of34% and MEP= - 61.41+2.29 (age) - 0.03(age2)+33.72 (gender)+1.40 (waist), r2of 49%. Conclusion: In clinical practice, these equations could be used to calculate the predictedvalues of MIP and MEP for the Brazilian population. |
