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Effects of inspiratory muscle training on inspiratory muscle strength, diaphragm thickness, and exercise capacity in sarcopenic individuals
1Department of Sports Medicine, Istanbul University, Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul, Türkiye
2Department of Public Health, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul, Türkiye
Eurasian Journal of Pulmonology - DOI: 10.14744/ejp.2024.1001

Abstract


Background and Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on sarcopenic individuals and their inspiratory muscle strength, diaphragm muscle thickness, and exercise capacity.

Methods: Our study included twenty volunteers with sarcopenia (16 M, 4F). The participants were randomly assigned to a training group (TG) or a control group (CG). To assess the effectiveness of the eight-week IMT, we measured the maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), diaphragm thickness, pulmonary function test (PFT), and six-minute walk test (6MWT) before and after the training. Quality of life was evaluated with the Sarcopenia Quality of Life Questionnaire (SarQoL).

Results: Both the MIP and the 6MWT of the TG increased significantly after the IMT program (p=0.001 and p=0.001, respectively). TG's overall SarQoL score and scores for physical and mental health, functionality, fears, and leisure activities demonstrated significant improvements (p=0.007, p=0.014, p=0.042, p=0.004, and p=0.004, respectively). There was no statistically significant change in diaphragm thickness, PFT parameters (including FEC, FEV1, PEF, FEV1/FVC, and FEF25-75), or other subscales of the SarQoL (p>0.05).

Conclusion: The IMT program improved inspiratory muscle strength, exercise capacity, and overall quality of life among individuals with sarcopenia. We recommend that rehabilitation programs for sarcopenic individuals include IMT programs.