Comparison of measured respiratory muscle strength values to those of different predictive equations

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressure values (MIP and MEP) obtained through different predictive equations to those directly measured from sedentary, healthy adults. Subjects were 495 both-sex inhabitants of the city of São Carlos (SP) and region. Respiratory pressures were measured with subjects standing up, using a hand vacuometer with circular mouthpiece and nasal clip. Measures taken were grouped according to subjects’ age in five 10-year age-groups. The obtained values were compared to predicted values by equations proposed by Harik-Khan et al (1998), Neder et al (1999), and Black & Hyatt (1969), by using Friedman Anova test and Dunn post-hoc (p<0.05). Comparison results showed that predicted values usually overestimate those directly measured, except Harik-Khan et al equation for male MIP, and Neder et al’s for both sexes MEP. Hence the equations most suitable for this study sample are those of Harik-Khan et al for MIP, and of Neder et al for MEP.