The Effect of Functional Inspiratory Muscle Training Versus Inspiratory Muscle Training

Functional IMT is an inspiratory muscle training that ensures core stabilization and maintains postural control. Rhythmic co-contractions of the core muscle areas (diaphragm, transversus abdominis, multifidus, pelvic floor) ensure the stability of the trunk and provide it with the feature of being the support point of movement. In the first stage, the person is given core stabilization training. Secondly, core stabilization is maintained and continued with strong trunk activation exercises. Postural exercises reinforce the other function of the breathing muscles, which is actually 'core' stabilization.

Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) is one of the methods used to increase respiratory muscle strength. Different tools and methods (threshold resistive loading, normocapnic hyperpnea, and threshold pressure loading) have been developed for IMI. The most used method in the literature is the threshold pressure loading method. This method requires subjects to generate a negative pressure sufficient to overcome the load of the device and thus initiate inspiration. ICE is most commonly performed in a sitting position, with upper extremities supported and upper chest/shoulders relaxed. By placing the person in this position, the aim is for the respiratory muscles to focus only on the work of breathing.