Brazilian equations: inspiratory muscle force

ABSTRACT Respiratory muscle strength (RMS) (maximal inspiratory pressure [MIP] and maximal expiratory pressure [MEP]) vary when estimated by prediction equations. This study will verify whether the classification of MIP obtained by the prediction equations proposed by Brazilian authors is similar and concordant. The sample consisted of 18 stable patients with cardiorespiratory and neurological dysfunctions and respiratory muscle weakness. The MIP was measured by the analog compound gauge and compared to the prediction equations of Brazilian authors. Only two authors found inspiratory muscle weakness (p<0.0001). Assessing the agreement among authors (BIAS), there was a low agreement between the values predicted by the equations, except among the authors who detected inspiratory muscle weakness in the evaluated patients.