Optimal Cut-Off Scores for Respiratory Muscle Strength in Young Adults

The importance of respiratory muscles in young adults is well recognized, yet cut-off values for differentiating exercise capacity remain underexplored. This study aimed to identify the maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) cut-off points to better distinguish six-minute walk test (6MWT) performance in young adults. This cross-sectional study included 84 apparently healthy participants (mean age: 21.6 ± 1.2 years; 65.5% female). The mean Six-Minute Walk Test distance was 575.0 ± 67,4 m, mean MIP was 87.4 ± 33.1 cmH₂O, and mean MEP was 118.4 ± 44.0 cmH₂O. Exercise capacity was measured using the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) . Respiratory muscle strength was assessed using a digital pressure meter. MIP emerged as an independent and significant determinant of 6MWT performance, accounting for 27% of the variance (p