Thorax 1984;39:535-538 Predicted normal values for maximal respiratory pressures in caucasian adults and children

ABsTRAcr Maximal respiratory pressures at the mouth (PEm. and PI,M.) have been measured in 370 normal caucasian children and adults. Age, height, and weight were recorded for all subjects and incorporated in a stepwise multiple regression analysis to determine prediction equations for the maximal respiratory pressures in the children and adults for both sexes. In men Pi,. and PEmax were significantly correlated only with age (p < 0-001 and < 0-035 respectively), whereas in women they were correlated with height (p < 0-035 and < 0-03). In both boys and girls PN., was related to weight (p < 0-0001 and <0-01 respectively) and PEma. to age (p < 0-001 for both). The values for PImax and PEmax in adults were lower than in previously reported series, but in children the values obtained were similar to those reported for several smaller series. In recent years interest has been rekindled in methods for measurement of respiratory muscle function in patients with neuromuscular disease. One of the simplest non-invasive measurements is that of maximal pressures, generated at the mouth, after full inspiration and full expiration-that is