Assessment of inspiratory pressures: Comparison between the maximum static and the nasal sniff in young healthy

Abstract

Little is known about the correlation between maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and the sniff nasal inspiratory pressure (SNIP) in young healthy Brazilian population. Objectives: To evaluate, describe and compare MIP and SNIP in healthy young brazilians. Method: Cross-sectional study that assessed 42 young people, 21 men, mean age 19.8 ± 1.8 years, recruited by convenience of the University of Brasilia. Anthropometric measurements were measured and all of the subjects underwent respiratory muscle strength tests to determine MIP, VR as both FRC and SNIP in FRC, being captured by a digital manometer. Ringqvist criteria were used to ensure the quality of the examination, as we established 5 measurements for each set of MIP and 10 for SNIP in each nostril. Statistical analysis was by T-Student, Kolmogorov - Smirnov, Pearson and Bland- Altman. Results: Mean MID of 93,3±28,9 (78,9±19,9% pred) and SNIP was 73,8±26,5 cmH2O (62,3±22,7% pred) near normal values for the Brazilian population. The values of MIP and SNIP were higher in males than in females. There was significant correlation between MIP in VR with SNIP and MIP at FRC varied least for SNIP. Conclusions: MIP and SNIP present mean differences between the pressures and that these distinctions can influence the results of inspiratory muscle strength. One method does not replace the other, but these are complementary for assessment of inspiratory muscle function in clinical practice.