Maximal Respiratory Pressure Reference Values for Hopi Children Ages 4 to 13

Anthropometric variables will influence maximal respiratory pressure (MRP) values. Because significant variations exist in pulmonary nomograms among different races, it is important that tribe-specific tables of normal maximal inspiratory pressures (MIPs) and maximal expiratory pressures (MEPs) be developed. To date, MRP prediction equations do not exist for Hopi children. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop MRP reference values and prediction equations for Hopi children in the ages 4 to 13 years. Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken with 288 healthy children (125 boys, 163 girls), a 36% representative population of all the Hopi Native children attending Hopi Tribal Elementary Schools in Arizona. Maximal inspiratory pressure and MEP values were measured. Results: Age and the inverse of body mass were consistently significant predictors of the MRPs for both sexes. Predictions using the derived Hopi equations were significantly different ( P ≤ 0.001) than those using the equations for Navajo and Caucasian youth across both sexes, making it important for this population to have specific formulae to provide more accurate reference values. Conclusions: These data were collected from the children of Hopi ancestry resulting in MIP and MEP reference equations which should be used when measuring MIP and MEP in these children ages 4 to 13 years.