Effects of an Integrated Exercise Program Including “Functional” Inspiratory Muscle Training in Geriatric Individuals with and without Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

BACKGROUND: Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) is a commonly used exercise method for both patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the older adult population. In addition to their primary function, respiratory muscles play an active role in core stabilization. However, no IMT program includes both of these functions (i.e., core stabilization and postural control functions as well as respiration). This study investigated the effects of a newly integrated exercise program, termed “functional IMT,” in geriatric individuals with and without COPD. METHODS: This prospective and experimental study included 45 geriatric individuals with COPD (n=22) and without COPD (n=23). The training program consisted of 4 weeks of conventional IMT followed by 4 weeks of functional IMT. Respiratory muscle strength, symptoms, exercise capacity, balance, postural control, physical activity, and quality of life were evaluated. RESULTS: After training, respiratory muscle strength, symptoms, exercise capacity, balance, postural control, and quality of life improved in both groups (p<0.05). In addition, physical activity was increased in the COPD group (p<0.05). We observed no statistically significant difference in outcomes between the two groups before and after treatment (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The gains were similar in both groups. Functional IMT, which is an integrated approach that includes all respiratory muscle functions, is a safe, effective, and innovative method for use in geriatric individuals with and without COPD.