Abstract
BackgroundThe measurement of maximal respiratory pressures (MRPs) is commonly used to assess respiratory muscle strength. However, in Spain, there is no consensus on which is the most adequate measurement protocol, as theSpanish Society of Pneumology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR) protocol differs from the one endorsed by the American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society(ATS/ERS). This study compared the absolute and predictive values of maximal expiratory and inspiratory pressures (MEP and MIP) in healthy adults obtained with the two protocols.MethodsA cross-sectional study with a sample of healthy adults was conducted. Lung function and MRPs were assessed. MEP and MIP were measured using a digital manometer according to the SEPAR and ATS/ERS. Protocols were applied in random order by the same trained physiotherapist. The comfort experienced with each protocol was assessed through a short questionnaire. Paired t-tests were used to compare the results from both protocols.ResultsA total of 31 subjects (mean age 35.7±12.4 years; 14 females; FEV1=108.3±10.5%; FVC=103.7±10%) were included. There was a significant difference between MRPs favouring the SEPAR protocol, with the mean difference being 34.9±28.1 cmH2O (p˂0.001) for MEP and 8±11.6 cmH2O (p=0.001) for MIP. ATS/ERS protocol was, however, considered more comfortable than SEPAR (p<0.005).ConclusionsThis study shows that, in healthy adults, higher MRPs are obtained using the SEPAR protocol. Yet, the ATS/ERS protocol is experienced as more comfortable. Future studies are needed to analyse the application of both protocols in other populations and their associated comfort.
Highlights
Maximal static respiratory pressures are non-invasive measures to assess respiratory muscle strength with high value in the clinical management of patients with respiratory diseases [1]
There was a significant difference between maximal respiratory pressures (MRPs) favouring the SEPAR protocol, with the mean difference being 34.9±28.1 cmH2O (p0.001) for MEP and 8±11.6 cmH 2O (p=0.001) for MIP
This study shows that, in healthy adults, higher MRPs are obtained using the SEPAR protocol
Summary
Maximal static respiratory pressures are non-invasive measures to assess respiratory muscle strength with high value in the clinical management of patients with respiratory diseases [1]. Pulmonary rehabilitation is an evidence-based intervention for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and one of its components is the assessment and training of respiratory muscle strength. In patients with neuromuscular diseases, it is important to determine the strength of respiratory muscles to analyse the effectiveness of cough [2,3]. There are other clinical fields, in which the relevance of maximal respiratory pressures (MRPs) is growing, for example, in people who have suffered a stroke, as they present significantly lower maximal expiratory and inspiratory pressures (MEP and MIP) and its specific training has shown to be effective [4,5]. This study compared the absolute and predictive values of maximal expiratory and inspiratory pressures (MEP and MIP) in healthy adults obtained with the two protocols
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