Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 19, 2026

Employing the Forced Oscillation Technique for the Assessment of Respiratory Mechanics in Adults
06:11

Employing the Forced Oscillation Technique for the Assessment of Respiratory Mechanics in Adults

Published on: February 9, 2022

6.7K

Maximal respiratory pressures of healthy children: comparison between obtained and predicted values

Renata Nóbrega Delgado1, Tania Fernandes Campos, Raíssa de Oliveira Borja

  • 1Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.

Pediatric Physical Therapy : the Official Publication of the Section on Pediatrics of the American Physical Therapy Association
|December 19, 2014
PubMed

Insights

This study compared respiratory muscle strength in healthy Brazilian children to existing reference values. Findings indicate that current prediction equations are not reliable for this population, highlighting the need for culturally specific assessments.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Respiratory Physiology

Background:

  • Maximal respiratory pressures are key indicators of respiratory muscle strength.
  • Establishing reliable reference values for pediatric populations is crucial for clinical assessment.
  • Previous studies show variability in respiratory muscle strength measures across different ethnic groups.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (PImax and PEmax) in healthy Brazilian children with existing reference and predicted values.
  • To evaluate the applicability of current prediction equations for respiratory muscle strength in a pediatric Brazilian cohort.

Main Methods:

  • Assessed respiratory muscle strength in 144 healthy children (aged 7-11 years) using a digital manovacuometer.
  • Measured PImax from residual volume and PEmax from total lung capacity in a seated position with nose clip.
  • Data collected from 63 boys and 81 girls.

Main Results:

  • Mean PImax values were 81.6 ± 20.2 cmH2O for boys and 66.1 ± 19.5 cmH2O for girls.
  • Mean PEmax values were 95.6 ± 21.1 cmH2O for boys and 78.9 ± 19.7 cmH2O for girls.
  • Significant differences observed between genders.

Conclusions:

  • Published reference values show considerable diversity and may not be universally applicable.
  • Existing predictive equations were insufficient for accurately estimating maximal respiratory pressures in this cohort.
  • Future assessments of respiratory muscle strength in children should account for ethnic and methodological variations to improve accuracy.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Combining Volumetric Capnography And Barometric Plethysmography To Measure The Lung Structure-function Relationship08:25

Combining Volumetric Capnography And Barometric Plethysmography To Measure The Lung Structure-function Relationship

Published on: January 8, 2019

10.2K
Ex Vivo Porcine Experimental Model for Studying and Teaching Lung Mechanics12:09

Ex Vivo Porcine Experimental Model for Studying and Teaching Lung Mechanics

Published on: April 19, 2024

2.4K

Related Concept Videos

Respiratory Volumes and Capacities01:22

Respiratory Volumes and Capacities

The respiratory system is responsible for the intake of oxygen and the expulsion of carbon dioxide from the body. Respiratory volumes describe the volume of air in the lungs at different phases of the respiratory cycle. Tidal volume is the air breathed in and out during normal, quiet breathing. Inspiratory reserve volume is the air that can be forcefully inspired beyond the tidal volume. In contrast, expiratory reserve volume refers to the air that can be expelled from the lungs after a normal...
7.6K
Pressure Relationships in Thoracic Cavity01:24

Pressure Relationships in Thoracic Cavity

Breathing, otherwise known as pulmonary ventilation, is the process of air movement into and out of the lungs. The main mechanisms propelling pulmonary ventilation are atmospheric pressure (Patm), intra-pulmonary (Ppul ) or intra-alveolar pressure (Palv) within the alveoli, and intrapleural pressure (Pip) within the pleural cavity.
Breathing Mechanisms
Both intra-alveolar and intrapleural pressures rely on specific lung properties. The ability to breathe—allowing air to enter the lungs...
8.9K
Respiratory Volumes01:15

Respiratory Volumes

Respiratory volumes are crucial metrics, meticulously measured to quantify the air exchanged in and out of the lungs during various phases of the breathing cycle. These precise measurements are vital for assessing lung function, diagnosing respiratory conditions, and monitoring overall respiratory health. Each parameter provides specific insights into the mechanics of breathing and the functional capacity of the lungs.
Tidal Volume (TV) Tidal volume (TV) is the air inhaled or exhaled in a...
3.6K
Respiratory Capacities01:24

Respiratory Capacities

Respiratory capacities are crucial indicators of lung function, representing the maximum amount of air an individual's respiratory system can handle during various breathing phases.
One key metric is the Inspiratory Capacity (IC), which represents the maximum amount of air that can be inhaled with full effort. IC is calculated by summing the tidal volume and inspiratory reserve volume, typically ranging from 2.4 to 3.6 liters.
The Functional Residual Capacity (FRC) represents the air in the...
1.7K
Assessment of Ventilation I: Respiratory Rate01:20

Assessment of Ventilation I: Respiratory Rate

Assessment of Ventilation
A Ventilation assessment is critical for monitoring a patient's health status. Respiration, one of the most accessible vital signs, provides insights into the function of numerous body systems and can indicate serious health issues, such as brainstem injuries from head trauma.
Critical Guidelines for Assessing Ventilation:
3.0K
Respiratory Volumes and Capacities I01:26

Respiratory Volumes and Capacities I

Assessing the respiratory rate and rhythm for a complete minute is crucial for evaluating the breathing pattern. Even a minor increase in the patient's average respiratory rate, by as little as three to five breaths per minute, is an early and vital indicator of respiratory distress. Patients with a respiratory rate exceeding twenty-four breaths per minute require close monitoring to determine the physiological alterations. This careful observation is essential for prompt recognition and...
2.1K