Influence of an inspiratory muscle fatigue protocol on older adults on respiratory muscle strength, muscle oxygen saturation, and functional capacity: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: The fatigue of the inspiratory musculature, particularly the diaphragm, has been demonstrated to exert systemic effects on the body, impacting cardiovascular and performance outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of an inspiratory muscle fatigue protocol on respiratory muscle strength, functionality, and muscle oxygen saturation in older adults.

Methods: A single-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on twenty-four older adults aged over 60 years, who met inclusion criteria were physically independent in terms of gait and functionality. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: control group, inspiratory muscle fatigue group, or activation group. Diaphragmatic ultrasonography (diaphragmatic thickness, thickening fraction, diaphragm movement curve), maximal inspiratory mouth pressure, muscle oxygen saturation, and functionality (timed up and go test, for five times sit to stand test) were used to measure the study variables at two time points: pre-intervention (T1) and post-intervention (T2).

Results: In the maximum inspiratory pressure variable in the activation group an increase was found between baseline and post-treatment of 3.00 ± 0.93 cmH2O (P < 0.01), while in the inspiratory muscle fatigue a decrease of -6.75 ± 2.66 cmH2O (P < 0.01) was found. In addition, the inspiratory muscle fatigue group showed lower scores for respiratory and functional variables after performing the diaphragmatic fatigue intervention than the activation and control group (P < 0.05), on the other hand, the activation group showed more positive values for functional and respiratory capacity variables after performing the inspiratory muscle activation training (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: Fatigue of the inspiratory musculature appears to negatively impact inspiratory muscle strength, peripheral muscle strength, muscular oxygenation, and functionality in older adults. Activation of the inspiratory musculature could contribute to improved respiratory muscle strength and function in these individuals.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT06266013.