Inspiratory Muscle Training and Physical Fitness in Children With Down Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effect of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on physical fitness in children with Down syndrome (DS). Design: Randomized control trial. Setting: The study was conducted in a private physical therapy center. Participants: Forty boys and girls with DS aged between 7 and 10 years were enrolled in this study (N=40). They were randomly and equally divided into 2 groups (A and B). Interventions: All participants received 30 minutes of aerobic exercise training 3 times per week for 12 weeks, whereas group B received an additional 30 minutes of IMT before each aerobic exercise session. Main Outcomes Measures: Maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP); maximal expiratory pressure (MEP); submaximal aerobic endurance; muscular strength; endurance. Results: Among the group undergoing IMT, there were significant improvements in MIP, MEP, and submaximal aerobic endurance using the six-minute walk test (6MWT); strength and endurance using the curl-up, dumbbell press, trunk lift, standing long jump, seated push-up, pull-up, and flexed-arm hang; and back saver sit and reach tests (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Inspiratory muscle training and aerobic exercise training demonstrated more significant improvements in physical fitness than in those children who received only aerobic exercise training.