Background and Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on sarcopenic individuals and their inspiratory muscle strength, diaphragm muscle thickness, and exercise capacity.

Methods: Our study included twenty volunteers with sarcopenia (16 M, 4F). The participants were randomly assigned to a training group (TG) or a control group (CG). To assess the effectiveness of the eight-week IMT, we measured the maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), diaphragm thickness, pulmonary function test (PFT), and six-minute walk test (6MWT) before and after the training. Quality of life was evaluated with the Sarcopenia Quality of Life Questionnaire (SarQoL).

Results: Both the MIP and the 6MWT of the TG increased significantly after the IMT program (p=0.001 and p=0.001, respectively). TG's overall SarQoL score and scores for physical and mental health, functionality, fears, and leisure activities demonstrated significant improvements (p=0.007, p=0.014, p=0.042, p=0.004, and p=0.004, respectively). There was no statistically significant change in diaphragm thickness, PFT parameters (including FEC, FEV1, PEF, FEV1/FVC, and FEF25-75), or other subscales of the SarQoL (p>0.05).

Conclusion: The IMT program improved inspiratory muscle strength, exercise capacity, and overall quality of life among individuals with sarcopenia. We recommend that rehabilitation programs for sarcopenic individuals include IMT programs.