Background: One of the most important factors involved in the pathophysiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the lower esophageal sphincter rest pressure (LESRP), but these patients can have esophageal motor disorders (EMD). Aim: To assess an association between LESRP and the appearance of EMD in patients with GERD. Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 229 patients with GERD and 49 healthy controls. Forty five patients with LESRP < 6 mmHg and a mean age of 49 years were assigned to group 1, 128 patients with a LESRP between 6 and 12 mmHg and mean age of 47 years were assigned to group 2, 56 patients with a a LESRP >12 mmHg and a mean age of 47 years were assigned to group 3 and group 4 was conformed by 49 healthy subjects aged 40 years old. Esophageal manometry was performed using previously published techniques. Results: There was a significant association between LESRP, waves amplitude and the frequency of tertiary waves. Conclusions: Resting lower esophageal sphincter pressure is inversely proportional to the presence of esophageal motor disorders in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. (Rev Méd Chile 2000; 128: 721-8).