Publications

Aim. Aging resulted in decrease in respiratory muscle strength which limits the exercise performance and quality of life. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and the functional outcomes of inspiratory muscle training in elderly. Material and methods. 48 nonsmoker’s elderly from both genders aging 60 to 70 years were recruited. They were assigned randomly into two groups of equal number. The study group received training with threshold inspiratory muscle trainer (IMT) at 40% of the PImax measured during the initial evaluation which was readjusted weekly by evaluating the PImax while the control group received training with threshold IMT at the lowest pressure offered by the device, 3 times/week for 10 weeks. Diaphragmatic mobility was measured by ultrasonography, Maximal inspiratory pressure measurement and the functional capacity was measured by 6MWT before and after the end of the training program for both groups. Results. The diaphragmatic mobility, Maximal inspiratory pressure measurement and the distance walked during 6MWT increased significant within the study group at the end of the study (p < 0.05) with non‑significant change in the control group (p > 0.05). Comparison between both groups at the end of the study revealed significant increase in diaphragmatic mobility and Maximal inspiratory pressure measurement in study group compared with control group (p <0.05) with significant difference between both groups regarding the distance walked during 6MWT (p > 0.05). Conclusion. Inspiratory muscle trainer should be a part in elderly daily routine as it has a positive effect on the clinical outcome measure and there is a tendency to improve the functional outcome.