Short-Term Inspiratory Muscle Training Enhances Functional and Metabolic Health in Older Adults.

ABSTRACT: Background: Age-related declines in respiratory muscle strength and ventilatory efficiency can impair functional capacity and metabolic health in older adults. Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been proposed as a practical intervention to counteract these changes, yet its systemic effects remain unclear. This study aimed to examine the effects of short-term IMT on functional capacity, diaphragm thickness, and liver tissue characteristics in healthy elderly men. Methods: Thirty community-dwelling men aged 60-80 years were randomly assigned to an IMT or control group. The IMT group performed four weeks of breathing exercises using a POWERbreathe^® device at 40% of maximal inspiratory pressure, with a weekly 10% increase in pressure. Pre- and post-intervention asse

SUBMITTER: Konca E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12840718 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature