Effects of Respiratory Muscle Strength Training in Children With Asthma

Asthma is a common long-term respiratory condition in children. In addition to affecting breathing, asthma may affect physical activity, exercise capacity, daily functioning, and quality of life. Respiratory muscles, particularly the muscles used for breathing in, play an important role in breathing and may also contribute to physical functioning. The purpose of this randomized controlled study is to investigate whether adding inspiratory muscle training to a respiratory exercise program provides additional benefits for children with asthma. The study will evaluate the effects of the training using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework, which provides a broad approach to understanding health by considering body functions, activities, participation, and related aspects of daily life. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. Both groups will perform thoracic mobility and thoracic expansion exercises. In addition, one group will receive inspiratory muscle training for 8 weeks. Before and after the 8-week program, participants will undergo assessments of breathing muscle function, lung function, exercise capacity, autonomic function, physical activity, and quality of life. The study aims to determine whether inspiratory muscle training can provide additional improvements in respiratory and physical functioning in children with asthma and to evaluate these effects from a broader perspective using the ICF framework.