Inspiratory muscle training for improving balance and strength in elderly with sarcopenia

The Effect of Inspiratory Muscle Training on Balance, Falls and Diaphragm Thickness in the Elderly: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Gazi University · NCT06143592

This study tests if breathing exercises at different levels of difficulty can help older adults with muscle loss improve their strength, balance, and overall well-being.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorGazi University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ankara, Altındağ/Ankara)
Trial IDNCT06143592 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of inspiratory muscle training at low and moderate intensities on various health outcomes in elderly individuals diagnosed with sarcopenia. Participants will undergo training aimed at enhancing respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, physical performance, balance, and overall quality of life. The study will assess changes in diaphragm thickness and stiffness, as well as the fear of falling among participants. By comparing the effects of different training intensities, the research aims to identify the most effective approach for improving health in this vulnerable population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 65 and older who have been diagnosed with sarcopenia and are mentally capable of participating.

Not a fit: Patients with uncontrolled chronic diseases, recent surgeries, or neurological conditions affecting mobility may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved balance, reduced fall risk, and enhanced quality of life for elderly patients suffering from sarcopenia.

How similar studies have performed: While inspiratory muscle training has shown promise in other contexts, this specific approach in the elderly with sarcopenia is relatively novel and has limited prior research.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* being diagnosed with sarcopenia,
* 65 years of age or older,
* scoring above 21 on the Mini-Mental State Scale,
* volunteering to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* active smoker or quit smoking in less than 5 years,
* undergone abdominal surgery, thoracic surgery or lower extremity surgery,
* fracture within the last 1 year,
* having a condition that prevents bioelectrical impedance measurement such as pacemaker, implant,
* having a disease such as pulmonary artery hypertension, glaucoma, an aneurysm that prevents the Valsalva manoeuvre,
* having hypertension that cannot be controlled with antihypertensive medication,
* having a neurological disease affecting mobility such as cerebrovascular disease, Parkinson's disease,
* having chronic inflammatory disease known to affect muscle metabolism, including uncontrolled diabetes (Hba1c\>9), rheumatoid arthritis,
* presence of any acute and chronic cardiovascular disease such as unstable angina pectoris, recent myocardial infarction, uncontrolled cardiac arrhythmia, congestive heart failure, acute ischemic heart disease,
* presence of any acute and chronic pulmonary disease such as COPD, acute pulmonary embolism, pulmonary oedema,
* having a history of cancer.

Where this trial is running

Ankara, Altındağ/Ankara

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Sarcopeniafallsexerciseelderly
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.