Inspiratory muscle training for improving inspiratory muscle strength and functional capacity in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

James Manifield, Andrew Winnard, Emily Hume, Matthew Armstrong, Katherine Baker, Nicola Adams, Ioannis Vogiatzis, Gill Barry

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

21 Citations (Scopus)
22 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The ageing process can result in the decrease of respiratory muscle strength and consequently increased work of breathing and associated breathlessness during activities of daily living in older adults. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to determine the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in healthy older adults. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted across four databases (Medline/Pubmed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library CINAHL) using a search strategy consisting of both MeSH and text words including older adults, IMT and functional capacity. The eligibility criteria for selecting studies involved controlled trials investigating IMT via resistive or threshold loading in older adults (>60 years) without a long-term condition. RESULTS: Seven studies provided mean change scores for inspiratory muscle pressure and three studies for functional capacity. A significant improvement was found for maximal inspiratory pressure (PImax) following training (n = 7, 3.03 [2.44, 3.61], P = <0.00001) but not for functional capacity (n = 3, 2.42 [-1.28, 6.12], P = 0.20). There was no significant correlation between baseline PImax and post-intervention change in PImax values (n = 7, r = 0.342, P = 0.453). CONCLUSIONS: IMT can be beneficial in terms of improving inspiratory muscle strength in older adults regardless of their initial degree of inspiratory muscle weakness. Further research is required to investigate the effect of IMT on functional capacity and quality of life in older adults.

Original languageEnglish
Article numberafaa221
Pages (from-to)716-724
Number of pages9
JournalAge and Ageing
Volume50
Issue number3
Early online date31 Oct 2020
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 May 2021

Keywords

  • maximal inspiratory pressure
  • older people
  • rehabilitation
  • six-minute walk test
  • systematic review

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