The effects of functional inspiratory muscle training in geriatric individuals with and without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of functional inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in geriatric individuals with and without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Method: A total of 45 geriatric individuals with COPD (n= 22) and non-COPD (n= 23) were included in the study. Participants' lung function (pulmonary function test), respiratory muscle strength (Maximal Inspiratory and Expiratory Pressure), symptoms (Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale and COPD Assessment Test), exercise capacity (The Six Minute Walk Test and The 6-Minute Pegboard and Ring Test), balance (Berg Balance Scale), postural control (with a portable balance device), peripheral muscle strength ((knee extension, shoulder flexion and handgrip strength), flexibility (Chair Sit-and-Reach and Back Scratch Test), core stabilization (Pelvic Bridge and Partial Curl –up Test), physical activity level (The Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly), activities of daily living ( The Milliken ADL Scale), depression levels (The Geriatric Depression Scale) and quality of life (World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument-Older Adults Module) were assessed. Functional IMT in both groups was given eight weeks. Results: After the training, respiratory muscle strength, symptom perception, exercise capacity, balance, postüral control and quality of life were significantly improved in both groups (p <0.05). In addition, physical activity and ability level of activities of daily living increased in the COPD group (p <0.05). In the group without COPD, significant changes were found in the partial curl–up test compared to the baseline (p <0.05). Conclusion: It shows that functional IKE which has similar positive developments in respiratory muscle strength, symptom perception, exercise capacity, balance, postural control and quality of life in geriatric individuals with and without COPD, can be used as a reliable and effective method in geriatric rehabilitation program.