Evaluation of the effectiveness of inspiratory muscle training in older adults with COPD
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36557/2674-8169.2026v8n5p1454-1475Keywords:
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Inspiratory muscle training, Elderly, Pulmonary rehabilitation, Respiratory physiotherapyAbstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a respiratory condition that progresses over time, marked by constant airflow limitation, chronic inflammation, and functional impairment. This disease particularly affects the elderly, due to the natural changes that occur with aging. Among the main effects of COPD in this age group, we can highlight the weakness of the respiratory muscles, which is related to shortness of breath, difficulty in performing activities, and a decline in quality of life. In this scenario, inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been widely studied as a non-pharmacological approach in pulmonary rehabilitation. The objective of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of ITB on respiratory muscle strength, functional capacity, and quality of life in elderly people with COPD through an integrative review of the literature. This review is descriptive and qualitative, based on a search for articles published between 2016 and 2026 in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 11 studies were selected for analysis. The results showed that IMT leads to a significant increase in peak inspiratory pressure, improvement in functional capacity, and reduction in shortness of breath in elderly patients with COPD. Furthermore, when combined with pulmonary rehabilitation, ITMT brought additional benefits to functional performance and well-being. In conclusion, inspiratory muscle training proves to be a safe, effective, and low-cost intervention, and is an important strategy in the physiotherapeutic treatment of elderly patients with COPD.
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