The Effect of Inspiratory Muscle Training on Respiratory Function, Balance and Functional Capacity in Trainable Mentally Handicapped Children

Background: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of inspiratory muscle training on respiratory functions, balance and functional capacity in trainable mentally disabled individuals. Methods: Within the scope of the study, 30 children, aged between 8 and 17 years, diagnosed with educable mental disabilities, were randomly divided into experimental and conventional physiotherapy rehabilitation program (CPRP) groups. Before and after the test, blood pressure, respiratory frequency, pulse oximetry heart rate and arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) values, and Modified Borg scores for fatigue and dyspnea detection were recorded. Body composition analysis, respiratory function test, and 6-minute walk test (6MWT) were performed on all individuals. The experimental group underwent inspiratory muscle training (IMT) with an inspiratory muscle training device 5 days a week for 8 weeks. The CPRP group was given a chest physiotherapy program that included thoracic expansion exercises, postural drainage, cough improvement techniques and physical activity recommendations, to be applied once a day, 5 days a week, for 8 weeks. At the end of eight weeks, the evaluations were repeated. Data were analyzed using SPSS vn. 25.0 software. The Paired Samples t-test was used to determine within-group differences, and Two-way ANOVA was applied to repeated measures to compare time and group effects.