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Respiratory muscle strength in the elderly. Correlates and reference values. Cardiovascular Health Study Research
P L Enright1, R A Kronmal, T A Manolio
1Cardiovascular Health Study Coordinating Center, Seattle, Washington 98105.
Maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and expiratory pressure (MEP) were assessed in older adults. Healthy older men and women have distinct reference values for respiratory muscle strength.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Physiology
Background:
- Respiratory muscle strength is crucial for health in older adults.
- Maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) are key indicators of respiratory muscle function.
- Establishing normative values for elderly populations is essential for clinical assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine predictors of MIP and MEP in elderly individuals.
- To establish reference equations for MIP and MEP in a healthy elderly cohort.
- To provide normative data for respiratory muscle strength in older adults.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 4,443 participants (age 65+) from the Cardiovascular Health Study.
- MIP measured in all participants; MEP measured in 790.
- Statistical analysis to identify predictors and derive reference equations from a healthy subgroup.
Main Results:
- Positive MIP predictors: male sex, FVC, handgrip strength, lean body mass.
- Negative MIP predictors: age, smoking, poor health, waist size.
- Mean MIP/MEP values in healthy older adults: 83/174 cm H2O (men) and 57/116 cm H2O (women).
Conclusions:
- Reference equations for MIP and MEP were derived from a healthy elderly cohort.
- These equations can aid pulmonary function laboratories and respiratory therapists in assessing elderly patients.
- Factors like sex, age, body composition, and health status influence respiratory muscle strength in older adults.
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