| Abstract |
Purpose: This study aimed to indirectly assess physical strength and muscle mass to determine the level of respiratory
muscle strength in community-based older women. Methods: A total of 30 women aged 65 years or older were
included in this study. Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), maximal inspiratory
pressure (MIP), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), and grip strength were measured. Timed up and go test, five times
sit-to-stand test (FTSST), one-minute sit-to-stand test (1MSTST), and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) were
performed. Subsequently, a correlation analysis was performed between the measured data and respiratory muscle
strength. Results: MIP was significantly correlated with pulmonary function parameters, including FVC, FEV1, FTSST score,
1MSTST score, and body mass index (BMI) measured by BIA. MEP was significantly correlated with FEV1/FVC, FTSST score,
1MSTST score, and BMI. Conclusion: A significant correlation was observed between respiratory muscle strength and
FTSST score, 1MSTST score, and BMI in community-dwelling older women. Further studies are needed to predict
respiratory muscle strength levels based on leg muscle strength and BMI and to manage respiratory muscle health in
community-dwelling older individuals. |