NCT07468968

Comparative Effects of Balance and Inspiratory Muscle Training in Older Adults

Comparative Effects of Balance and Inspiratory Muscle Training on Balance, Respiratory Muscle Strength, and Physical Performance in Older Adults: A Randomized Comparative Trial

• Status: Enrolling By Invitation
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 27 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Acibadem University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 60 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study aims to investigate and compare the effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT), balance training, and a combination of both on respiratory muscle strength and balance in older adults. Aging is often associated with a decline in skeletal and respiratory muscle strength, which can increase the risk of falls and impact overall functionality. Participants aged 60 and over will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: Respiratory Muscle Training group (30 breaths, twice daily), Balance Training group (45-50 minute sessions, 3 days a week), Combined Training group (both IMT and balance exercises). The intervention will last for 8-weeks. Researchers will evaluate respiratory muscle strength, balance, core endurance, and functional capacity before and after the 8-week program to determine which approach is most effective in improving these parameters in the geriatric population.

Detailed description

This is a 3-arm randomized comparative trial designed to evaluate the synergistic effects of respiratory and physical interventions in the geriatric population. Physiological changes due to aging, such as reduced inspiratory muscle pressure (MIP) and impaired postural control, are closely linked to increased mortality and fall risk. This study tests the hypothesis that combining IMT with balance training will yield superior outcomes compared to single-mode interventions. Methodology and Interventions: Participants will be allocated into three groups using block randomization to ensure gender balance (n=12 per group, total target n=36, accounting for a 20% potential attrition rate): Group 1 (IMT): Participants will perform 30 breaths twice daily using an IMT device for 8 weeks. Group 2 (Balance): Participants will attend 45-50 minute supervised balance training sessions, 3 days per week for 8 weeks. Group 3 (Combined): Participants will perform both the daily IMT protocol and the thrice-weekly balance sessions. Evaluation Criteria: Outcomes will be measured at baseline and after the 8-week intervention. Primary outcomes include Maximal Inspiratory Pressure (MIP), Maximal Expiratory Pressure (MEP), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), core endurance tests, and single-leg stance balance. Data from participants who complete at least 70% of the training sessions will be included in the final analysis. The study aims to provide evidence-based recommendations for enhancing functional independence and reducing fall risk in older adults.

Conditions

• Geriatric
• Geriatrics Rehabilitation
• Geriatric Fall
• Geriatric Health

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DEVICE	Inspiratory Muscle Training	Participants will use a threshold inspiratory muscle trainer device. The training involves performing 30 breaths twice a day (morning and evening), 7 days a week for 8 consecutive weeks. The resistance (intensity) will be adjusted based on the participant's maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) to ensure progressive training.
BEHAVIORAL	Balance Training	A structured balance training program conducted under the supervision of a therapist. Sessions last 45-50 minutes, held 3 days per week for 8 weeks. The program includes static and dynamic balance exercises, weight-shifting tasks, and functional movement patterns designed to reduce fall risk.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-03-12
• Primary completion: 2026-06-12
• Completion: 2026-07-01
• First posted: 2026-03-13
• Last updated: 2026-03-18

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)