Assessment of Maximal Inspiratory Mouth Pressure in Healthy Individuals of Different Age Group: Normal Values

Background

The strength of the inspiratory muscle is measured by maximal insiratory pressure. In this study we analyzed the normal values of Maximal inspiratory mouth pressure in healthy participants of different age groups and either gender.

Subject and Methods

160 healthy individuals between the age group of 30 to 69 years of either gender were taken for the study. Males and females participants were separated in groups and each group was divided into four sub groups of 20 individuals according to age (Subgroup:30-39 years, 40-49 years, 50-59 years and 60- 69 years). Maximum inspiratory pressure was measured using a mechanical pressure guage. The largest negative pressure sustained for 1 second on the pressure gauge was recorded. All participants were allowed to rest for about one minute, and then repeated the maneuver 5 times.

Results

The normal mean MIP values in 30-39 age group of male subjects was 125 cmH2O, in 40-49 age group it was 120 cmH2O, in 50-59 age group it was 110 cmH2O and in 60-69 age group it was 93 cmH2O. Similarly the mean PI max value in 30-39 age group of female subjects was 85 cmH2O, in 40-49 age group it was79 cmH2O, in 50-59 age group it was 75 cmH2O and in 60- 69 age it was 71 cmH2O. MIP reduced with advancing age and males had greater MIP values than compared to females(P<0.01).

Conclusion

The MIP values obtained in our literature can be used as base line values to measure inspiratory muscle strength. MIP is greater in males when compared to females and these values decline in advancing age.