Cross-Sectional Study on the Association Between Respiratory Muscle Strength and Dynapenic Abdominal Obesity in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

PURPOSE: Impaired respiratory muscle strength has been associated with some geriatric syndromes. However, no studies have previously evaluated the relationship between respiratory muscle strength and dynapenic abdominal obesity. This study aimed to analyze whether there is an association between respiratory muscle strength and abdominal obesity, dynapenia and dynapenic abdominal obesity (DAO) in community-dwelling older adults. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study conducted with community-dwelling older adults (n=382 / 70.03 ± 7.3 years) from Macapá, Amapá, Brazil. Respiratory muscle strength was assessed by measuring maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MIP and MEP, respectively), using an analog manovacuometry. DAO was defined as the combination of dynapenia (grip strength < 26 kgf for men and < 16 kgf for women) and abdominal obesity (abdominal circumference > 102 cm for men and > 88 cm for women). We performed descriptive and inferential statistical analyses using the student’s t-test for independent and related samples and linear regression model. RESULTS: Older adults with abdominal obesity, dynapenia, and DAO presented lower mean values (obtained and obtained versus predicted; except abdominal obesity versus MIP) for maximal respiratory pressures compared to individuals without these conditions. However, the adjusted analysis only indicated an association between MIP and the following conditions: dynapenia (MIP - β =−0.171; p<0.001), abdominal obesity (MIP - β=0.102; p=0.042), and DAO (MIP - β=−0.101; p=0.028). CONCLUSION: Older adults with abdominal obesity, dynapenia, and DAO showed impaired maximal respiratory pressures. The results of the adjusted analysis indicate that inspiratory muscle strength may require greater attention by health professionals aiming at preventing respiratory complications and improving respiratory health care in older people with these conditions.