Validity, intra and inter-reliability of manual evaluation of the respiratory muscle strength in asthmatic patients

Author(s)

da Luz Goulart, Cassia ; Trimer, Renata ; Garcia-Araujo, Adriana Sanches ; Caruso, Flavia Rossi ; Ricci, Paula Angelica ; Santos, Polliana Batista ; Mendes, Renata Goncalves ; Borghi-Silva, Audrey

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PHYSIOTHERAPY RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL; v. 25, n. 4, p. 8-pg., 2020-06-09.

Abstract

Objective This study investigated the concurrent validity, inter and intra-reliability of manual evaluation in Asthma patients. Methods Twenty six asthma patients were assessed. Maximal respiratory muscle strength (Mrms) was tested by inspiratory and expiratory pressure (MIP and MEP, respectively) trough manovacuometer. In addition, Mrms of diaphragm (anterior and posterior), Intercostals (lower and upper portion) and Rectus abdominal were obtained manually, according to Medical Research Council (MRC) scale. Two independents evaluators, previously trained, made both measurements. Results Reproducibility of Mrms intra-evaluators: anterior diaphragm (ICCs, 0.79 and 0.67); Posterior portion of the diaphragm (ICCs, 0.43 and 0.51); Upper intercostals (ICCs, 0.47 and 0.40); Lower intercostals (ICCs, 0.81 and 0.51) and rectus abdominal (ICCs, 1.0). Inter-reproducibility of anterior diaphragm was low to moderate, while intercostals (upper and lower portion) was relatively low. However, rectus abdominal presented high reproducibility reflecting in almost perfect agreement. In addition, we found positive correlations between MIP versus Lower Intercostals (r = .60, p = .007) and MEP versus rectus abdominal (r = .41, p = .04). Conclusion In asthmatic patients, manual evaluation of the respiratory muscles is reliable. In addition, maximal respiratory pressures using manometer assessment were related to manual evaluation, in special to diaphragm and rectus abdominal muscles. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/03233-0 - Study of cardiorespiratory interaction and the supply of peripheral and cerebral oxygen as modulators of exercise capacity during bilevel application in the coexistence of COPD-CHF
• Grantee: Cássia da Luz Goulart
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 15/26501-1 - Study of limiting factors to physical exercise and adjunct effects to rehabilitation on cardiorespiratory disease: a multicentre approach
• Grantee: Audrey Borghi Silva
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants