Effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training on Postural Stability, Balance, Pulmonary Function and Functional Capacity in Children With Cystic Fibrosis

It is extensively reported in the literature that patients with chronic obstructive lung disease may have impairments in balance and postural control which further increase the disease burden. Mechanisms related to these impairments include, but are not limited to increased work of breathing, diaphragm weakness, peripheral muscle weakness and systemic inflammation. Since the similar symptoms are reported for the children with cystic fibrosis, it is hypothesized that balance and postural control may also be compromised in these patients. Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) is shown to improve diaphragm strength and pulmonary function. Considering the relation between diaphragm which is one of the core muscles, and balance, IMT may also have an impact on postural control and balance alongside the standard clinical parameters such as respiratory muscle strength, pulmonary function and functional capacity in these patients. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of inspiratory muscle training and conventional chest physiotherapy on postural stability, balance, pulmonary function and functional capacity in children with cystic fibrosis.