GeriatricGeriatrics RehabilitationGeriatric FallGeriatric Health
Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)
Inspiratory Muscle TrainingBalance Training
Inspiratory Muscle Training: Participants will use a threshold inspiratory muscle trainer device. The training involves performing 30 breaths twice a day (morning and evening), 7 days a week for 8 consecutive weeks. The resistance (intensity) will be adjusted based on the participant's maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) to ensure progressive training.
Balance Training: A structured balance training program conducted under the supervision of a therapist. Sessions last 45-50 minutes, held 3 days per week for 8 weeks. The program includes static and dynamic balance exercises, weight-shifting tasks, and functional movement patterns designed to reduce fall risk.
Study summary
This study aims to investigate and compare the effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT), balance training, and a combination of both on respiratory muscle strength and balance in older adults. Aging is often associated with a decline in skeletal and respiratory muscle strength, which can increase the risk of falls and impact overall functionality.
Participants aged 60 and over will be randomly assigned to one of three groups:
Respiratory Muscle Training group (30 breaths, twice daily),
Balance Training group (45-50 minute sessions, 3 days a week),
Combined Training group (both IMT and balance exercises).
The intervention will last for 8-weeks. Researchers will evaluate respiratory muscle strength, balance, core endurance, and functional capacity before and after the 8-week program to determine which approach is most effective in improving these parameters in the geriatric population.
Eligibility
Sex
ALL
Min age
60 Years
Max age
—
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion Criteria:
* Aged 60 years or older.
* Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score of 22 or higher.
* Ability to walk 10 meters independently without human assistance.
* Ability to read and write.
* Volunteering to participate and providing written informed consent.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Current use of sedative or hypnotic medications.
* Presence of a diagnosed neurological disorder (e.g., history of stroke, Parkinson's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, dementia, or clinical vertigo) that is currently under treatment.
* Presence of clinically significant cardiovascular or pulmonary complications (e.g., COPD, active lung disease, or uncontrolled hypertension).
* Severe postural abnormalities that may interfere with the study (e.g., advanced scoliosis or kyphosis).
* Acute or chronic orthopedic conditions preventing participation in a balance exercise program (e.g., lower extremity fractures or severe joint instability).
* High risk of sarcopenia, defined as a SARC-F score of 4 or higher.
* Significant communication or cognitive barriers that prevent following the exercise instructions.
Primary outcome measure(s)
Maximal Inspiratory Pressure (MIP) — Baseline and 8 weeks. MIP will be measured using a digital pressure gauge to evaluate the strength of the inspiratory muscles. The best of three maneuvers will be recorded in cmH2O. Higher values indicate better respiratory muscle strength.
Maximal Expiratory Pressure (MEP) — Baseline and 8 weeks. MEP will be measured using a digital pressure gauge to evaluate the strength of the expiratory muscles. The best of three maneuvers will be recorded in cmH2O. Higher values indicate better expiratory muscle strength.
Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test — Baseline and 8 weeks. The TUG test measures the time (in seconds) it takes for a participant to stand up from a chair, walk 3 meters, turn around, walk back, and sit down. Lower scores (less time) indicate better functional mobility and balance.
Respiratory Muscle Endurance (Incremental Threshold Loading Test) — Baseline and 8 weeks. Respiratory muscle endurance will be assessed using an incremental threshold loading test (ITLT). The test starts with an initial load based on the participant's Maximal Inspiratory Pressure (MIP). The resistance is increased by 20% of the initial MIP value every 2 minutes. Participants are instructed to maintain their breathing pattern against the increasing load until exhaustion or until they can no longer overcome the threshold. The total duration (in seconds) sustained during the test is recorded. Higher values indicate better respiratory muscle endurance.
Single Leg Stance Test (SLST) — Baseline and 8 weeks. The participant stands on one leg for as long as possible without support. The time (in seconds) until balance is lost is recorded (up to a maximum of 30 or 60 seconds). Higher values indicate better static balance.
6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) — Baseline and 8 weeks. The 6MWT measures the total distance (in meters) a participant can walk on a flat, hard surface in a period of 6 minutes. It is used to assess submaximal functional exercise capacity.
Core Muscle Endurance Test — Baseline and 8 weeks. Core endurance will be assessed using static holding test (McGill's torso endurance test). The duration (in seconds) the participant can maintain the position is recorded. Higher duration indicates better core stability.
This page summarises publicly available registry data for informational purposes — not medical advice. Eligibility is determined by each study team; patients should discuss participation with their clinician.
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