ABSTRACT
The Maximal Inspiratory Pressure (MIP) and Maximal ExpiratoryPressure (MEP) are global measures of the maximal strength of therespiratory muscles.Objectives:To determine the values of MIP and MEP in healthy sub-jects aged 20 years old from the urban area of Manizales, Colombiaand to correlate them with sociodemographic and anthropometricvariables.Methods:This is an observational descriptive study. The populationof the study was 203.965 healthy people from Manizales, a Colom-bian city located at 2150 meters above sea level. The sample size was308 subjects, selected using simple random sampling. The maximalrespiratory pressures were determined in the sample chosen andwere then considered according to the variables of age, gender, size,weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), and BMI classification. Finally apredictive model was created.Results:The average MIP value among the subjects of the study was75±27cmH20 and the MEP value was 96.4±36cmH20. Both avera-ges were higher in men than in women. Predictive equations wereestablished for the normal values of MIP and MEP in healthy sub-jects; the best model for MIP was the resultant one among age, gen-der and BMI classification and for the MEP among gender, weightand height.Conclusion:Maximal respiratory pressure values were lower amongthe population of Manizales than those found in international stu-dies. Gender and anthropometric characteristics (weight, height andBMI classification) are the explanatory variables that better supportthe average values of MIP and MEP in the predictive models proposed