Anthropometric variables will influence maximal respiratory pressure (MRP) values. Since significant variations exist in pulmonary nomograms amongst different races, it is important that tribe specific tables of normal maximal inspiratory pressures (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressures (MEP) 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 4-13 years.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken with 288 healthy children (125 male, 163 female), a 36% representative population of all the Hopi Native children attending Hopi Tribal Elementary Schools in Arizona. MIP 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 4-13 years.
Keywords: Native American youth; maximal inspiratory pressure; maximal respiratory pressure equations; respiratory muscle strength.