Maximal respiratory pressure and maximal voluntary ventilation in Brazilian health population: A multicentre study

Maximal respiratory pressures (MRP) and maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) are worldwide measures used to assess respiratory muscle strength and endurance. Although there are references values established to Brazilian population different methodological procedure used in previous studies could contribute to wide variation in values published.This study was conducted in three centers in Brazil, Natal-RN, Recife-PE and Piracicaba-SP. Subject was evaluated in relation to anthropometrics parameters, physical activity profile, maximal inspiratory/expiratory pressure and MVV. Correlation and multiple linear regressions were used to predicted male and female MRP and MVV equations.We studied 244 subjects (114 male/130 female) distributed in different age group from 20 to 80 years old. The results showed a significantly positive correlation between MIP/MEP and height in female; negative correlation with age in both genders. A positive correlation between MVV, weight and height in male were found; in female, we found a positive correlation with height and negative correlation with age. In the multiple linear regression analysis only age continued to have an independent predictive role for dependent variables in MIP/MEP and MVV. ![Figure][1] The results of this study provide a reliable reference equations of MRP and MVV for health Brazilian population from 20 to 80 years old. [1]: pending:yes