During the normal aging process, respiratory muscle mass and function decline, reducing physical activity and functional independence, leading to sarcopenia and gait deterioration, thereby increasing the risk of falls.
Respiratory muscle weakness in the elderly can also lead to reduced lung elastic recoil, reduced airway clearance, and reduced response to hypercapnia and hypoxemia
Respiratory muscle training (RMT) using "breathing dumbbells" strengthens the respiratory muscles, thereby increasing physical activity and exercise tolerance, and improving respiratory muscle function.
Purpose of usage
- Strengthen the inspiratory muscles (diaphragm, external intercostal muscles, accessory neck muscles) and expiratory muscles (internal intercostal muscles, abdominal muscles)
- Improve movement of glossopharyngeal complex
- Improve airflow through the vocal cords
- Improve respiratory support and achieve safe swallowing function
- Improve protective cough and assist in clearing the airway
- Promote diaphragmatic breathing
- Reduce shortness of breath
- Improve blood flow to resting and moving limbs
Specific clinical benefits
- Increase maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressure (PImax, PEmax)
- Reduce dyspnea (BORG scale)
- Improve exercise endurance (6MWT), improve postural control, and reduce back pain
- Increase peak inspiratory and expiratory flows (PIF, PEF)
- Reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure
- Improve the quantity and quality of sleep
- Improve laryngeal function, promote speech and swallowing
- Improve reflex cough and improve lung hygiene
- Improve diaphragm function, support breathing and speech
Other benefits
- Improve quality of life(QOL)
- Reduce hospitalization and healthcare needs
- Reduce the risk of death
Training Programs:
Note: These are program recommendations based on clinical evidence from RMT. These recommendations should not replace the therapist's clinical judgment and will still need to be adapted to each patient's case, condition, and preferences.
RMT Goals:
2 sets of 10 breaths per set, 2 times per day (morning and evening), 6 days per week.
Intensity:
Approximately 50% of MIP/MEP. The correct settings should allow you to endure a set of 10 breaths without fatigue. Please note that inhalation and exhalation settings need to be determined and set up separately.
Ongoing Treatment:
After maintaining baseline training for approximately 1 week, increase the resistance. As resistance increases, repetitions may decrease initially and then gradually increase over the course of the week.
Recording Progress:
Keep an RMT diary to record pressure values and number of sessions, settings and other comments.