The Impact of Inspiratory Muscle Training on Respiratory Function and Functional Capacity in Trainable Intellectually Disabled Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on respiratory functions, balance, and functional capacity in trainable children with intellectual disabilities. Thirty children aged between 8 and 17 years, diagnosed with trainable intellectual disabilities, were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (IMT) or control (conventional physiotherapy) group (5 days/week/8 weeks). Spirometry, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) were used for assessment. There were significant main effects of time and time × group interaction on 6MWT, predicted 6MWT, BBS, forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (percentage of predicted) (FEV₁%), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced vital capacity (percentage of predicted), and maximal expiratory pressure (percentage of predicted (MEP%) in the experimental and control groups (<i>P</i> < .05). There was a statistically significant main effect of time on FEV₁/FVC, maximal inspiratory pressure, maximal inspiratory pressure (percentage of predicted), and MEP values (<i>P</i> < .05), with no significant group or interaction effects. Inspiratory muscle training is a feasible and effective intervention for individuals with intellectual disabilities, aiming to improve their respiratory function, functional capacity, and balance.