Inspiratory Muscle TrainingFunctional High-Intensity Interval Training
Inspiratory Muscle Training: Inspiratory muscle training was performed using a threshold pressure-loading device (POWERbreathe). Participants trained once daily, five days per week, for six consecutive weeks. Each session consisted of two sets of 30 inspiratory efforts. Training began at 30% of maximal inspiratory pressure in week 1, with the training load progressively increased by 5% each week to reach 55% of maximal inspiratory pressure in week 6. Training pressure was reassessed weekly, and all sessions were supervised by a certified exercise specialist.
Functional High-Intensity Interval Training: Functional high-intensity interval training was performed three times per week on non-consecutive days for six weeks. Each session lasted approximately 35-40 minutes and consisted of an approximately 8-minute warm-up, a functional high-intensity interval circuit, and an approximately 5-minute cool-down. The circuit included wall sit, incline push-up, seated knee-to-chest exercise, shadow boxing, Superman exercise, and low-step-up exercise. Training intensity was progressively increased by manipulating work-to-rest ratios and the number of circuit cycles. Perceived exertion was monitored using the Borg CR-10 scale.
Study summary
Childhood obesity is associated with reduced cardiorespiratory fitness, impaired exercise tolerance, and altered respiratory mechanics. This randomized controlled trial investigated whether combining inspiratory muscle training with functional high-intensity interval training improves diaphragm morphology, respiratory muscle strength, pulmonary function, aerobic fitness, and functional exercise capacity in boys with obesity. Fifty boys aged 10-12 years were randomly assigned to six weeks of combined inspiratory muscle training and functional high-intensity interval training or usual activity.
Eligibility
Sex
MALE
Min age
10 Years
Max age
12 Years
Healthy volunteers
Accepted
Inclusion Criteria:
* Male sex.
* Age 10-12 years.
\*Obesity according to World Health Organization age- and sex-specific BMI reference criteria.
* No regular participation in structured exercise training during the preceding six months.
* Medical clearance to participate in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Diagnosed cardiovascular, neuromuscular, orthopaedic, or metabolic conditions that could interfere with exercise participation.
* Chronic respiratory disease, including asthma requiring regular medication.
* Impaired pulmonary function defined as FEV₁/FVC \<75%.
\*Upper respiratory tract infection within the preceding two weeks.
* Medication use that could affect respiratory function or exercise capacity.
* Previous thoracic surgery.
* Inability to complete the testing procedures.
Primary outcome measure(s)
Inspiratory Diaphragm Thickness — 6 weeks Inspiratory diaphragm thickness (DTins) was measured by ultrasound at the end of maximal inspiration at the zone of apposition of the right hemidiaphragm. Three measurements were obtained and averaged. The measurement represents an ultrasound-derived index of diaphragm morphology.
Diaphragm Thickening Fraction — 6 weeks Diaphragm thickening fraction (DTf) was assessed using diaphragm ultrasonography and calculated as \[(end-inspiratory diaphragm thickness - end-expiratory diaphragm thickness) / end-expiratory diaphragm thickness\] × 100. Measurements were obtained from the right hemidiaphragm at the zone of apposition. Three measurements were obtained in each respiratory phase and averaged for analysis.
Expiratory Diaphragm Thickness — 6 week Expiratory diaphragm thickness (DTexp) was measured by ultrasound at the end of maximal expiration at the zone of apposition of the right hemidiaphragm. Three measurements were obtained and averaged. The measurement represents an ultrasound-derived index of diaphragm morphology.
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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