The effects of inspiratory muscle training on balance and functional mobility: a systematic review.

Introduction: Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been widely used in both healthy and diseased populations especially in older adults, and its effects have been proven not only on inspiratory muscle strength but also on dyspnea, exercise capacity, quality of life, and other health parameters.

Aim: This study aims to review the effects of IMT on balance and functional ability of healthy and diseased populations.

Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted on MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). Randomized control trials having participants > 18 years of age and having balance and functional mobility as primary or secondary outcomes were included. Two independent reviewers screened studies against the eligibility criteria, extracted the data, and assessed the quality of evidence. The protocol was prospectively registered on PROSPERO: CRD42021261652.

Results: Ten studies were included in the review out of which eight had balance and six had functional mobility as an outcome measure. There was a significant improvement in balance of the participants after treatment with IMT, however the effect on functional mobility was inconclusive.

Conclusion: The review provided evidence of improvement in balance and functional mobility following inspiratory muscle training in both healthy and diseased adults. Future studies should be conducted to determine the optimal protocol and dosage of treatment.