Maximal Respiratory Pressures and Maximum Voluntary Ventilation in Young Arabs: Association with Anthropometrics and Physical Activity

Abstract

Background: Maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) and maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) measurements assist in determining the respiratory muscle strength and endurance. These determinants of respiratory muscles vary significantly by age, gender, height, and ethnic origin. Normative values for maximum respiratory pressures (MRPs) and MVV would aid in evaluating respiratory muscle function in athletes, estimating performance, and assisting in rehabilitation. In addition, the reference values may aid in determining the efficacy of therapeutic interventions in young people with chronic respiratory diseases. The purpose of this study was to see how respiratory muscle strength indices correlated with anthropometric and physical activity characteristics in young Arabs.

Methodology: The study included 80 male volunteers and 85 female volunteers ranging in age from 18 to 30 years. MicroRPM was used to measure MIP and MEP, and pulmonary function test data, including MVV values, were recorded. All subjects completed the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) and anthropometric measurements. Unpaired t-tests or Mann-Whitney U-tests were used to determine male-female differences. Using the Pearson correlation coefficient and Spearman Rho correlation coefficient tests, MIP and MEP values were correlated with body composition and physical activity. Using stepwise multiple linear regression analysis, the relationships between respiratory function (MVV, MIP, and MEP) and PFT values (FVC, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC), physical activity, and sedentary behavior were investigated.

Results: MIP, MEP, and MVV values were significantly lower in females than in males. MIP, MEP, and MVV values had a moderate correlation with forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, and height, but not with weight, BMI, or GPAQ. Age, gender, and body mass index were found to be significant predictors of maximal respiratory pressures in a young Arab population.

Conclusion: Maximum respiratory pressures and maximal voluntary ventilation were significantly lower in young Arabs than in other ethnic groups; these values were influenced by gender and height but not by levels of physical activity.

Keywords: anthropometrics; maximal respiratory pressures; maximum voluntary ventilation; physical activity; young Arabs.

Figure 1

Scatter diagram of FVC with age, gender and BMI (R²- coefficient of determination).

Figure 2

Scatter diagram of FEV1 with age, gender and BMI (R²- coefficient of determination).

Figure 3

Scatter diagram of MVV with age, gender and BMI (R²- coefficient of determination).

Figure 4

Scatter diagram of MIP with age, gender and BMI (R²- coefficient of determination).

Figure 5

Scatter diagram of MEP with age, gender and BMI (R²- coefficient of determination).