Normative values for maximal respiratory pressures in an Indian Mangalore population: A cross-sectional pilot study

The objective of the pilot study is to obtain normal maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures for individuals in the age group 20-70 years in the Mangalore population and to predict normal values according to age, sex, height, and weight using the regression equation.

Two hundred and fifty subjects were selected through a convenient method of sampling. Fifty subjects each were enrolled in the following age groups: 20 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, and 60 to 70. Each group had 50 subjects (males-25 and females-25). Baseline data such as height, weight, body mass index were recorded. Maximal inspiratory pressure (PI) and expiratory pressure (PE) were determined following standardized protocol.

With regard to PI max and PE max, the measured values were significantly lower than those recorded in previous studies for both males (30%) and females (20%). We found that age served as the best factor for the prediction of PI max and PE max in both genders.

The results of this study can be used to predict respiratory muscle strength in healthy adult subjects, and the strategy employed in this study will serve as a useful, simple, reproducible, rapid assessment of respiratory muscle function and also aid the planning of treatment.