Reference Respiratory Muscle Strength Values and a Prediction Equation Using Physical Functions for Pulmonary...

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Physiology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Current respiratory muscle strength evaluations in Korea rely on international standards, leading to potential inaccuracies due to cultural and racial differences.
• Establishing country-specific standards is crucial for objective and reliable respiratory function assessments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish objective respiratory muscle strength standards and predicted values for healthy Korean adults.
• To develop predictive equations for maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), and peak cough flow (PCF) based on demographic and muscle strength data.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 360 healthy Korean adults (aged 20-70).
• Measurements included MIP, MEP, PCF, hand grip strength (HGS), and the five times sit-to-stand test (FTSST).
• Pearson's correlation and multiple regression analyses were used to evaluate relationships and develop predictive models.

Main Results:

• Respiratory muscle strength values in Korean adults differ from international reports.
• Peak HGS showed the strongest correlation with MIP and MEP, while forced expiratory volume in 1 s correlated highest with PCF.
• Age, BMI, peak HGS, and FTSST were significant independent variables influencing respiratory muscle strength.

Conclusions:

• Respiratory muscle strength indices vary significantly by country, necessitating country-specific reference values.
• This study provides essential reference values and a predictive formula for respiratory muscle strength in the Korean population.
• The proposed formula aids in estimating respiratory muscle strength when specialized equipment is unavailable.