[Maximal respiratory pressure: normal values and changes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)]

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Respiratory Physiology

Context:

• Maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (PImax and PEmax) are crucial noninvasive indicators of respiratory muscle strength.
• Current reference values for PImax and PEmax lack universal standardization, impacting clinical assessments.
• Evaluating respiratory muscle strength is vital for managing conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Purpose:

• To establish unified normal values for maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (PImax and PEmax).
• To compare PImax and PEmax measurements between healthy subjects and patients with stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Summary:

• PImax and PEmax were measured in 50 healthy individuals and 50 stable COPD patients.
• The derived normal values for PImax and PEmax aligned with the lower range of existing references for healthy subjects.
• Patients with moderate COPD exhibited significantly lower PImax and PEmax compared to healthy controls.

Impact:

• Provides updated, localized reference values for PImax and PEmax, aiding in more accurate respiratory muscle strength assessments.
• Highlights potential underestimation of respiratory muscle weakness in moderate COPD patients using existing international standards.
• Contributes to improved diagnosis and management strategies for respiratory muscle dysfunction in COPD.