Evaluation of the kyphosis and maximal respiratory pressures in sedentary and active aged women

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and to compare the kyphosis degree and the respiratory pressure in physically active in sedentary elderly women. METHODS: The sample included 30 elderly women, being 15 active and 15 sedentary, aged between 60 and 70 years. Measures of the maximum respiratory pressures were accomplished (MIP and MEP) and of the kyphosis degree. For the comparison with the values of maximum respiratory foreseen pressures, the formulas of Black and Hyatt (1969) were used. The statistical analysis used the test t of Student, with index of significance established in p < 0.05 or 5%. RESULTS: The average of the kyphosis values in the active was of 44,4 ± 3,7º and in the sedentary participants was of 56,0 ± 7,2º (p < 0.05). Regarding the respiratory pressures there was significant difference among MEP of the active group (43 ± 14,37 cmH2O) and the sedentary (30,80 ± 12,60 cmH2O). It was verified that the values of MEP in the active group, and MIP and MEP in the sedentary group were statistically lower than those estimated by equation of Black and Hyatt (1969). CONCLUSIONS: The kyphosis was smaller and the maximal expiratory pressure was larger among the active participants. The formula proposed for prediction of values of MIP and MEP seems doesn't apply to the educated population.