OBJECTIVE: To correlate anthropometrical data and RMS of eutrophic and obese women. METHODS: The study group comprised 103 sedentary women, divided into two groups: 57 obese and 46 eutrophic. For measurement of body composition, the Tetrapolar Bioimpedance was used. Measurements of waist and hip circumference were performed to calculate the waist/hip (W/H) ratio, and maximum respiratory pressures (MRP) were collected by analog manovacumeter with ± 300cm H2O. For data evaluation descriptive analysis and the Student's t Test for independent samples were used, as well as the Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression with stepwise method. The level of significance used was p < 0.05. RESULTS: Analysis showed a significant difference in MRPs of eutrophic (MIP = -73.04 ± 16.55cmH2O and MEP = 79.67 ± 18.89cmH2O) and obese (MIP = -85.00 ± 21.69cmH2O and MEP = 103.86 ± 20.35cmH2O). The anthropometry and manovacumetry variables showed no significant correlation in the groups. A positive correlation of the lean mass with the MIP was noted, when analising the bioimpedance influence on the RMS. CONCLUSION: The bioimpedance variables and obesity showed a direct relation with the RMS. The W/H ratio and WC variables had no influence on the obese RMS, however a relevance to the risk factors for associated diseases was found. We believe that these results are due to an adjustment to the excess weight over the years.
Obesity; Body composition; Respiratory muscles
