Summary Introduction: Changes in the respiratory system of asthmatics are also due to the mechanical disadvantage caused by the increased airway resistance. Objective: The study aims to evaluate the respiratory muscle strength and nutritional status of asthmatic children. Method: This is a prospective descriptive and transversal study with 50 children aged 7 to 12 years, who were placed into 2 groups, asthmatic and non-asthmatic. Respiratory muscle strength was evaluated on the basis of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP). The nutritional status was evaluated by measuring the anthropometric data, including height, weight, and body mass index (BMI). The findings were subjected to analysis of variance, chi-square, and Student's t test, and p-values < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In our comparisons, we observed statistically significantly lower values for age, weight, and height in asthmatic patients: 8.52 ± 1.49 years, 30.62 ± 7.66 kg, and 129.85 ± 10.24 cm, respectively, vs. non-asthmatic children(9.79 ± 1.51 years, 39.92 ± 16.57 kg, and 139.04 ± 11.62 cm, respectively). There was no significant increase in MIP and MEP between the groups: MIP was -84.96 ± 27.52 cmH2O for the asthmatic group and -88.56 ± 26.50 cmH2O for the non-asthmatic group, and MEP was 64.48 ± 19.23 cmH2O for asthmatic children and +66.72 ± 16.56 cmH2O for non-asthmatics. Conclusion: There was no statistically significant difference between groups, but we observed that MIP and MEP were slightly higher in the non-asthmatic group than in the asthmatic group.

Artigo de Revisão Review ArticleResumo A asma é uma doença crónica das vias aéreas que pode levar à diminuição da força muscular respiratória pela hiperinsuflação resultante ou o uso de corticosteróides em seu tratamento. Uma das formas de avaliar essa fraqueza muscular respiratória é a pressão inspiratória máxima (PImáx). Métodos: Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática através das bases de dados PUB-MED/MEDLINE, LILACS e SCIELO, utilizando as palavras -chaves: Asthma (asma), respiratory muscle (músculos respiratórios) e muscle strength (força muscular). Resultados: Foram encontrados cinquenta e seis artigos que avaliaram a PImáx em asmáticos; desses, trinta foram excluídos, ficando um total de vinte e seis artigos. Considerações finais: Através da pre- AbstractAsthma is a chronic illness of the airways that can reduce respiratory muscle strength due to the resulting hyperinflation or treatment with corticosteroids. One of the ways to evaluate this respiratory muscular weakness is the Maximal Inspiratory Pressure (PImax). Methods: A systematic review of the databases PUBMED/MEDLINE, LILACS and SCIELO was carried through, using the key words: Asthma, respiratory muscle and muscle strength. Results: Fifty were found and six articles that evaluated the PImax in asthmatics, from these, thirty were excluded, making a total of twenty six articles. Final considerations: Through the present revision we show the effectiveness of PImax in evaluating respiratory mus-Papel da pressão inspiratória máxima na avaliação da força muscular respiratória em asmáticos -Revisão sistemática Role of maximal inspiratory presure in the evaluetion of respiratory muscle strength in asthmatics -Systematic reviewRecebido para publicação/received for publication: 09.07.29 Aceite para publicação/accepted for publication: 09.09.17

Through the present revision we show the effectiveness of PImax in evaluating respiratory muscle strength in asthmatics. More studies are needed, however, fot better understanding of the asthmatic individual. Rev Port Pneumol 2010; XVI (3): 463-470.