Decreases in body muscle mass, function and strength occur with ageing and this condition is called "sarcopenia". It is known that sarcopenic elderly people fall more than non-sarcopenic elderly people, their balance is negatively affected, their diaphragm thickness decreases and their quality of life may decrease due to their lower functional capacity. Although exercise training, which is considered among the approaches in the treatment of sarcopenia, has been shown to be an effective method, the effects of inspiratory muscle training applied at different intensities are relatively limited. Therefore, in this study, we are investigating the effects of low \[30% of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP)\] and moderate (50% of MIP) inspiratory muscle training on respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, physical performance, functional capacity, balance, fear of falling, quality of life, diaphragm thickness and stiffness in sarcopenic elderly. In this study, participants are randomly divided into 3 groups: a low-intensity inspiratory muscle training group, a moderate-intensity inspiratory muscle training group and control (sham) group by simple random method after being evaluated for respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, physical performance, functional capacity, balance, fear of falling, quality of life, diaphragm thickness and stiffness.
INTRODUCTION The proportion of the elderly population compared to the total population is increasing worldwide. While this rate was 8.3% in 2015, it is predicted to reach 17.8% by 2060. Decreases in body muscle mass, function and strength occur with ageing and this condition is called "sarcopenia". The European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) defined sarcopenia as a syndrome characterized by a loss not only in muscle mass but also in muscle strength or physical performance, leading to movement disorders, hospitalization and falls. In studies, it was found that the frequency of falls in sarcopenic participants was higher than in non-sarcopenic participants. In addition, it has been shown that sarcopenia negatively affects balance in the elderly, sarcopenic participants have shorter standing times on one leg compared to non-sarcopenic participants, their diaphragm thickness decreases and their quality of life decreases due to their lower functional capacity. In order to make a diagnosis of sarcopenia, the current situation of the participant should be analyzed in terms of "muscle mass", "muscle strength" and "physical performance". Methods such as Magnetic Resonance, Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA), Computed Tomography, Bioimpedance Analysis (BIA), and circumference measurement are preferred in the evaluation of muscle mass; dynamometer is preferred in the evaluation of muscle strength; and tests such as walking speed, timed get up and go test, sit up and stand test from a chair are preferred in the evaluation of physical performance. Important approaches in the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia are exercise, physical activity and nutritional support. Exercise training in the treatment of sarcopenia has been shown to be an effective method to increase muscle mass and strength in the elderly. Both aerobic and resistance exercises have been shown to decrease the rate of decline in muscle mass and increase endurance with age. The literature shows that studies have focused especially on exercises involving peripheral muscles. However, sarcopenia may affect respiratory muscles in addition to peripheral muscles. Respiratory muscle training is a specific exercise training applied to respiratory muscles using skeletal muscle training principles in order to increase respiratory muscle strength and endurance, correct the length-tension relationship of respiratory muscles and increase respiratory capacity. The most common approach to respiratory muscle training is the inspiratory threshold pressure loading method. In the only study in the literature to our knowledge that examined the effect of inspiratory muscle training in sarcopenic elderly, the authors compared the effect of peripheral and respiratory exercises on isometric knee extension and arm flexion strength, hand grip strength, inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength and walking speed, but did not examine the effect of training on functional capacity, balance, fear of falling, quality of life, diaphragm thickness and stiffness. Studies on inspiratory muscle training in elderly participants have shown an increase in functional capacity and exercise capacity, improvement in inspiratory muscle strength and expiratory muscle strength, improvement in balance and physical performance, increase in diaphragm thickness, improvement in lower extremity muscle strength and improvement in quality of life; however, in the systematic review published in 2020 on inspiratory muscle training in the elderly, it was emphasized that the intensity of training (maximal inspiratory pressure-MIP) varies between 30% and 80%, and there is no consensus in the literature on loading. The effect of inspiratory muscle training at different intensities in a healthy elderly population was investigated for the first time by Martin-Sanchez et al. (2020), who emphasized the effectiveness of exercise performed at 20% and 40% of MIP. However, since there is no study to our knowledge on inspiratory muscle training applied at different intensities in sarcopenic elderly, our study will investigate the effects of low (30% of MIP) and moderate (50% of MIP) intensity inspiratory muscle training on respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, physical performance, functional capacity, balance, fear of falling, quality of life, diaphragm thickness and stiffness in sarcopenic elderly. METHODS Design: Participants aged 65 years and over diagnosed with sarcopenia by the relevant physician in Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics Division Outpatient Clinic are included. In this randomized controlled single-blind study, the participants are randomly divided into 3 groups: low-intensity inspiratory muscle training group, moderate-intensity inspiratory muscle training group and control (sham) group by simple random method after being evaluated. The evaluations are performed face to face at Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Geriatrics. Except for respiratory muscle strength assessment, participants in the treatment group will be evaluated at baseline and at the 12th week after treatment; participants in the control group will be evaluated at baseline and at the end of the 12th week; respiratory muscle strength will be evaluated at baseline, at week 4, at week 8 and at week 12 in all groups. The Ethics Committee of Gazi University provided ethical approval (2022-19/12.12.2022). All participants included in the study will read and sign the written informed consent form prior to evaluation according to the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The rights of the participants are fully protected during the study procedures. Sample Size: In line with a similar study in the literature, using G\*power software (version 3.1, Universitat Düsseldorf, Germany), the number of participants required to reach a power level of 0.80 at 5% type 1 error level with an effect size of 0.60 was determined as 30 participants. Randomization and Blinding: Before enrolment in the study, patients are randomly assigned to 3 groups according to an online randomization table (https://www.random.org, 2023-03-27, 11:16:08 UTC). The randomization program is computer-generated using a basic random number generator in blocks. Participants are blinded to the intervention groups that they are assigned to. Statistical Analysis: IBM SPSS Statistics 25 (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) analysis program will be used for statistical analysis. Descriptive analyses will be calculated with minimum-maximum, mean±standard deviation (X±SD) and median (interquartile range-IQR) for numerical data. For categorical data, number (n) and percentage (%) values will be defined. The suitability of the data obtained from participants to normal distribution will be evaluated by Skewness, Kurtosis, Histogram Analysis, Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test and coefficient of variation ratio. The difference between the change in measurement values of participants according to the intervention programs will be calculated by ANOVA one-way analysis of variance if the data fits the normal distribution, and by Kruskal Wallis-H Test if the data does not fit the normal distribution. Post-hoc tests will be applied to investigate the differences between the groups.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
30
Inspiratory muscle training is performed using POWERbreathe® (Powerbreathe, POWERbreathe International Ltd.Warwickshire, England) with a working range of 10-90 cmH2O with the inspiratory threshold pressure loading method. The device is given to each participant to use at home, so Gazi University Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit (BAP) was applied for the supply of the devices. At the end of the session in which the initial evaluations of all participants are made, the participants are told how to work with the device, the resistance levels of the device and the points to be considered during the application. A sample application session is performed with the participants under the supervision of a specialist physiotherapist. Participants are called by the same physiotherapist every two days by phone to ensure their compliance with the training.
Ankara Dr. Sami Ulus Children Health and Diseases Training and Research Hospital
Ankara, Altındağ/Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye)
RECRUITINGRespiratory Muscle Strength Assessment
The easiest and most commonly used method to measure respiratory muscle strength is maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure measurements. Maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) indicates inspiratory muscle strength. Maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) reflects expiratory muscle strength. Standard guidelines set by the American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society will be followed during the assessments. For the MIP assessment, the participant will be asked to perform a maximal expiration manoeuvre followed by maximal inspiration for 1-3 seconds (Müller manoeuvre). For the MEP assessment, the participant first performs a maximum inspiration manoeuvre, followed by maximum expiration for 1-3 seconds (Valsalva manoeuvre). In our study, measurements will be performed with a mobile and easy-to-use electronic pressure measuring device (MicroRPM, Vyaire Medical, Mettawa, IL).
Time frame: at baseline, at week 4, at week 8, at week 12
Peripheral Muscle Strength Assessment: Hand Grip Strength
Hand grip strength is a reliable method that provides information about upper extremity muscle strength in elderly participants. A hand dynamometer (Jamar, Fabrication Enterprised Inc., Irvington, New York) will be used in the evaluation. The measurements are made in the test position standardized by the American Association of Hand Therapists with the tested arm sitting upright in an unsupported chair with the shoulder in adduction, elbow in 90º flexion, forearm in neutral position, wrist in 0-30º extension and 0-15º ulnar deviation. During the assessment, the participant is asked to squeeze the dynamometer with all his/her strength and then let his/her hand go completely relaxed. This process is performed three times and the average of these values is recorded in kg/force. In our study, hand grip strength will be measured for both hands.
Time frame: at baseline and at the end of 12th week
Peripheral Muscle Strength Assessment: Knee Extension Strength
Knee extension strength will be measured with a manual muscle tester (Lafayette Instrument Company, Lafayette, Indiana) in a sitting position with the hip and knee joint in 90° flexion. During the measurement from the distal tibia, the participant is asked to bring the knee to full extension. Each measurement is performed three times and muscle strength is determined by taking the arithmetic mean of the total value. In our study, knee extension strength will be measured for both legs.
Time frame: at baseline and at the end of 12th week
Dynamic Balance Assessment: Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest)
Participants' dynamic balance will be assessed using the Mini BESTest, the short version of BESTest. The questionnaire, which consists of 14 items in total, has 4 sub-items in total, including anticipatory postural control (standing up from a sitting position, standing on tiptoe, standing on one leg), reactive postural control (forward, backward and lateral compensatory corrective stepping), sensory orientation (firm surface with eyes open, foam surface with eyes closed and inclined surface with eyes closed), dynamic gait (change in gait speed, walking with horizontal head movements, pivoting while walking, stepping over obstacles, timed stand and walk with double task). The score of each item ranges from "0" to "2" and the total score ranges from "0" to "28". A high score indicates good balance.
Time frame: at baseline and at the end of 12th week
Diaphragm Thickness and Stiffness Assessment
Diaphragm thickness and stiffness will be evaluated by the relevant physician using an ultrasound device. The probe will be placed between the anterior and middle axillary lines of the 9th or 10th intercostal spaces while the participant is in the supine position. Assessments will be performed during the peak inspiration and end-expiration phases of the normal respiratory cycle.
Time frame: at baseline and at the end of 12th week
Static Balance Asssesment
Static balance measurements of participants will be performed with Biodex Balance System® (Biodex Medical Systems, Inc., United States of America). With this balance device, "postural stability", "limits of stability" and "fall risk" of participants are evaluated. All tests will be performed bipedal with bare feet on a standard support surface.
Time frame: at baseline and at the end of 12th week
Static Balance Asssesment: Postural Stability Test
In this test, participants will be instructed to stand still on the platform and the displacement of the centre of gravity (COG) is quantified for anterior-posterior (AP) and medial-lateral (ML) axes. It gives three types of outcome measures: overall stability index, AP stability index and ML stability index. Higher scores indicate worse postural stability. In our study, the test will be repeated three times for 30 seconds and 10 seconds rest will be given between repetitions.
Time frame: at baseline and at the end of 12th week
Static Balance Asssesment: Limits of Stability Test
This test tests the participant's ability to control and move the centre of gravity within the limits of the support surface. The difficulty level of the test is "easy", "medium", "difficult". The participant is asked to reach out in a linear fashion by shifting the centre of gravity towards the ball in eight different directions flashing on the screen. This is repeated three times with a 10-second rest between repetitions. Low scores express poor postural control. In our study, the "easy" test will be applied, and the completion time of the test, the percentage score of stability in each direction and the total percentage score will be used in the data analysis of our study.
Time frame: at baseline and at the end of 12th week
Static Balance Asssesment: Modified Balance Sensory Integration Test
In our study, this test will be used to assess the fall risk of participants. The participant is asked to stand upright with both feet shoulder-width apart and hands at the sides, in the most comfortable position to maintain balance. The test is administered in four different situations: firm surface with eyes open/closed, foam surface with eyes open/closed. The device gives the sway index score of the participant in these four different situations. A higher sway index score indicates increased postural sway. In our study, the test will be repeated three times for 30 seconds and 10 seconds rest will be given between repetitions.
Time frame: at baseline and at the end of 12th week
Physical Performance Assessment: Timed Get Up and Go Test
Developed in 1991 by Podsiadlo and Richardson, this test aims to assess balance and mobility and is an objective, reliable and simple test. The participant is expected to get up from the chair, walk 3 meters, turn around, return to the chair and sit on the chair again. The time it takes the participant to complete the test is recorded.
Time frame: at baseline and at the end of 12th week
Physical Performance Assessment: Sit up and Stand Test from a Chair
The test starts in a sitting position. The participant sits on a chair with hands crossed over the chest. Duration in seconds is held. The participant gets up and down from the chair five times as fast as possible. The test is terminated on the last rise. The test is performed twice. The best score is recorded.
Time frame: at baseline and at the end of 12th week
Functional Capacity Assessment: Six Minute Walk Test
Developed in 1963 by Balke to measure functional capacity, this test measures the distance in meters a participant can walk in six minutes on a flat surface, as fast as possible but without running. The participant is told that if he/she feels respiratory problems such as shortness of breath during the application, he/she can decrease his/her speed and rest, but the elapsed time will be included in the test. A 30-meter-long walking area is determined for the test, turning points are marked and care is taken to ensure no obstacles and crowds are on the track. At the end of the test, measurements are repeated and the distance walked is recorded in meters.
Time frame: at baseline and at the end of 12th week
Fear of Falling Assessment: Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I)
This scale, developed by Yardley et al. (2005) to assess the fear of falling in participants, assesses how confident older people are in their activities of daily living and indicates the level of fall concerns. The scale consists of 16 items, each rated on a 4-point scale. The total score range is from 16 (no worry about falling) to 64 (extreme worry about falling). A score between 16-19 indicates a "low fear of falling", a score between 20-27 indicates a "moderate fear of falling" and a score between 28-64 indicates a "high fear of falling". The Turkish validity and reliability of the scale was conducted by Ulus et al. (2012).
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Time frame: at baseline and at the end of 12th week
Quality of Life Assessment: Sarcopenia Quality of Life Questionnaire (SarQoL)
This questionnaire developed by Beaudart et al. (2015) consists of 22 questions with 55 items. It consists of 7 sub-parameters including "physical and mental health, movement, body composition, functionality, activities of daily living, leisure time activities and fears". The total score ranges from 0 (worst health) to 100 (best health). The Turkish validity and reliability study of the questionnaire was conducted by Erdoğan et al. (2021).
Time frame: at baseline and at the end of 12th week