title: Efficacy of inspiratory muscle training as a practical and minimally intrusive technique to aid functional fitness among adults with obesity.
abstract: To examine the efficacy of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) as a non-intrusive and practical intervention to stimulate improved functional fitness in adults with obesity. As excess adiposity of the chest impedes the mechanics of breathing, targeted re-training of the inspiratory muscles may ameliorate sensations of breathlessness, improve physical performance and lead to greater engagement in physical activity.
  
  
  
  Sixty seven adults (BMI=36±6.5) were randomized into either an experimental (EXP: n=35) or placebo (PLA: n=32) group with both groups undertaking a 4-week IMT intervention, comprising daily use of a inspiratory resistance device set to 55% (EXP), or 10% (PLA) of maximum inspiratory effort.
  
  
  
  Inspiratory muscle strength was significantly improved in EXP (19.1 cmH20 gain; P<0.01) but did not change in PLA. Additionally, the post training walking distance covered was significantly extended for EXP (P<0.01), but not for PLA. Bivariate analysis demonstrated a positive association between the change (%) of performance in the walking test and BMI (r=0.78; P<0.01) for EXP.
  
  
  
  The findings from this study suggest IMT provides a practical, self-administered intervention for use in a home setting. This could be a useful strategy to improve the functional fitness of obese adults and perhaps lead to better preparedness for engagement in physical activity initiatives.
authors.affiliation: University of St Mark & St John, Plymouth, United Kingdom, United Kingdom; James Cook University, Cairns, Australia. Electronic address: aedwards@marjon.ac.uk.
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Edwards
authors.affiliation: James Cook University, Cairns, Australia.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Graham
authors.affiliation: University of St Mark & St John, Plymouth, United Kingdom, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bloxham
authors.affiliation: James Cook University, Cairns, Australia; Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.
authors.forename: G P
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Maguire
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000465:Algorithms; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001945:Breathing Exercises; D017079:Exercise Tolerance / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume / Q000502:physiology; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D009765:Obesity / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012132:Respiratory Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014797:Vital Capacity / Q000502:physiology
keywords: Chronic disease; Obesity; Physical activity; Respiratory disorders