It was found with the adjusted models that there was a considerable gain in the predictive quality of the models for MEP and MIP adding weight or BMI, without significant difference between both.

Introduction: The measurement of muscular strength and maximum static pressures, substantially a consecrated and practical method, raise discussions about reference values and predictive equations, taking into account the heterogeneity of the studies. Objectives: Compare predicted values of IPmax and EPmax with the equations of Neder et al., 1999 and Costa et al., 2010 in adult individuals from the state of Amazonas (AM, Brazil). Method: A cross-sectional study in which was evaluated the Maximum Respiratory Pressures (IPmax and EPmax) according to standardization of the Brazilian Society of Pneumology and Tisiology in 210 individuals (68% female and 32% male) and 109 were eutrophic and 101 with overweight. The age of the individuals was 47,8±18,5 years. For comparative statistical analysis between the values obtained and predicted by the equations was performed the Anova One Way - Software SigmaStat 3.5 test. Results: The comparison of the values obtained with those predicted revealed that the Neder et al underestimated the IPmax in both genders (P <0,001) and overestimated the EPmáx in males (P <0,001). While the equation of Costa et al overestimated the IPmax and EPmáx in males (P <0,001) underestimated the IPmax in females (P<0,001). Conclusion: The results evidenced divergences in the predictive quality of the equations used, especially for IPmax, which suggests the low specificity of it in the population evaluated.

Measurement of respiratory muscle strength is performed through static measurements of maximal respiratory pressures and is an important tool for determining the existence and prognosis of neuromuscular and pulmonary disorders, such as weakness or fatigue of this musculature. Objectives: To evaluate and compare respiratory muscle strength among healthy adult and elderly women. Methods: A total of 163 healthy women were recruited through convenience sampling at the family centers of the city of Manaus (AM, Brazil), divided into two groups: adult women (age 20-59 years) and elderly women (over 60 years of age). The evaluation was performed by Manovacuometry, in order to measure the maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximum expiratory pressure (MEP). For statistical analysis we used the Student's T test, considering significant p value ≤ 0.05. Results: The final sample consisted of 116 adult women and 47 elderly women. The mean age in the group of women between 20-59 years was 44.5 ± 12 and the elderly group was 65 ± 6.6. MIP values in adult women were significantly higher when compared to the elderly (−108 ± 5.3 cmH 2 O × −79.5 ± 4 cmH 2 O, p = 0.0014, respectively). The same behavior was observed in the evaluation of MEP (87.1 ± 2.9 cmH 2 O in adults and 69.8 ± 3.5 cmH 2 O in the elderly; p = 0.0008). Conclusion: The results indicate that inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength is lower in older women, suggesting that the aging process tends to interfere with those muscles, resulting in altered respiratory system function.