Abstract
Introduction: The literature offers few studies with normal values for maximal respiratory pressures (MRP) of adolescents. Objectives: To provide normal values and lower limits of normal (LLN) for maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MIP and MEP, respectively) of healthy adolescents. Methods: 182 adolescents with a mean age of 15±2 (age range from 12 to 18 years old) were assessed: 98 boys (BMI: 20±3.15 Kg/m2) and 84 girls (BMI: 19±4 Kg/m2). Spirometry was performed prior to the assessment of respiratory muscle strength. MIP and MEP were measured with a digital manometer with the adolescent in the seated position wearing a nose clip. Participants randomly selected the first MRP to be assessed. MIP was performed from residual volume and MEP from total lung capacity. A maximum of nine maneuvers were performed for each MRP. Data were expressed as mean and standard deviation. The LLN was calculated by subtracting a value two times greater than the standard deviation of measurements from mean MRP. Results: The normal values and the LLN for MIP and MEP are shown in table 1.
Normal values and lower limits of normal for maximal respiratory pressures according to sex
Conclusion: The reference values and the LLN provided by this study for MRP may serve as an important parameter to the evaluation of respiratory muscle strength of adolescents.
- © 2013 ERS
