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Frailty SyndromeNCT07328334

Longitudinal Assessment of Maximal Inspiratory Pressure and Functional Capacity Following Inspiratory Muscle Training in Frail Older Adults (IMT-2)

A study testing Inspiratory Muscle Training in people with Frailty Syndrome and Geriatric Health, run by Universidad Francisco de Vitoria.

Not yet recruiting

Opening soon. The study is approved but enrolment has not started yet. Sites may already take enquiries.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

This study aims to evaluate the effects of an 8-week inspiratory muscle training program on maximal inspiratory pressure and functional capacity in frail older adults aged 80 years and above. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 80 years and older
What is being tested?
Inspiratory Muscle Training
Type of treatment
Medical device
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
30 participants
Where
No sites listed yet
Study dates
1 Feb 2026to 10 Sep 2026
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 80 years and older
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Adults aged 80 years or older.
  • Clinical diagnosis of frailty, defined by a Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score < 9.
  • Ability to stand and walk with or without assistive devices.
  • Ability to understand and follow instructions for inspiratory muscle training.
  • Stable medical condition for at least 3 months prior to enrollment.
  • Capacity to provide informed consent or availability of a legal

Who cannot join

  • Acute or unstable cardiovascular, respiratory, or metabolic conditions.
  • Severe cognitive impairment that prevents understanding the procedures.
  • Diagnosis of neuromuscular diseases affecting respiratory muscles (e.g., ALS, myopathies).
  • Severe or uncontrolled hypertension (≥180/110 mmHg).
  • Recent thoracic or abdominal surgery (<3 months).
  • Severe musculoskeletal disorders limiting participation in training.
  • History of recurrent syncope, severe dizziness, or intolerance to respiratory maneuvers.
  • Any condition judged by the research team to compromise safety or participation.

Trial locations and contacts

No sites are listed yet. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Sandra Sánchez Jorge, PhD contact

+34 913 24 80 64

s.sjorge.prof@ufv.es

About this study

Official title: Longitudinal Assessment of Maximal Inspiratory Pressure and Functional Capacity Following Inspiratory Muscle Training in Frail Older Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham-Controlled Trial

This study aims to evaluate the effects of an 8-week inspiratory muscle training program on maximal inspiratory pressure and functional capacity in frail older adults aged 80 years and above. Frailty is associated with reduced physical capacity, declines in functional performance, impaired respiratory performance, and a higher risk of disability. Inspiratory muscle training is a simple, low-cost intervention that may improve breathing function, inspiratory muscle strength, and overall health in very old adults, but evidence in this age group remains limited.

Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: a high-load inspiratory muscle training group or a low-load sham training group. Both groups will use a threshold device and perform 30 breaths once per day, five days per week, for eight weeks. The experimental group will train with progressively increasing resistance (50% to 80% of maximal inspiratory pressure), while the sham group will use a minimal and non-progressive load (15% of maximal inspiratory pressure). All sessions will be supervised and monitored for safety.

Read more

The main goal of the study is to determine whether inspiratory muscle training improves maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), an established measure of global inspiratory muscle strength. Secondary outcomes include measures of functional capacity, reflecting the ability to perform physical tasks relevant to daily living in very old adults. These outcomes will allow the evaluation of the clinical relevance of improvements in inspiratory muscle strength in this population.

Assessments will be performed before the intervention, immediately after the 8-week program, and again at one and three months after the end of the intervention to examine both immediate and short-term effects. This study may contribute valuable evidence regarding the safety, feasibility, and clinical benefits of inspiratory muscle training in frail very old adults, particularly its impact on inspiratory muscle strength and functional capacity, supporting its potential implementation in rehabilitation and geriatric care.

Being tested
Inspiratory Muscle Training, Sham Inspiratory Muscle Training
Keywords
Inspiratory Muscle Training, Diaphragm Ultrasound, Older Adults
Medical subject headings
Frailty

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Inspiratory Muscle TrainingDevice

    Participants perform 30 breaths once daily, 5 days per week for 8 weeks using a threshold inspiratory muscle training device. The load begins at 50% of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and increases by 5 cmH#O weekly up to 80% of MIP. Sessions are supervised and oxygen saturation and heart rate are monitored.

  • Sham Inspiratory Muscle TrainingDevice

    Participants use the same device and schedule as the experimental group (30 breaths once daily, 5 days per week for 8 weeks) but with a constant load of 15% of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), with no weekly progression. This mimics the procedure while providing minimal physiological stimulus. Supervision and monitoring are identical to the experimental arm.

Study groups in NCT07328334
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Inspiratory Muscle TrainingExperimentalParticipants perform an 8-week inspiratory muscle training program using a threshold device (PowerBreathe). Training consists of 30 inspirations, once daily, 5 days per week. The initial load is set at 50% of each participant's maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and is increased weekly by 5 cmH#O up to 80% of MIP. All sessions are supervised by healthcare professionals, with continuous monitoring of oxygen saturation and heart rate
Receives: Device: Inspiratory Muscle Training
Inspiratory Muscle Training (Sham)Sham comparatorParticipants follow the same 8-week training schedule using the threshold device (PowerBreathe), but with a constant load of 15% of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and no weekly progression. Training consists of 30 inspirations, once daily, 5 days per week. The procedure mimics the experimental intervention but provides minimal physiological stimulus. All sessions are supervised, with monitoring of oxygen saturation and heart rate
Receives: Device: Sham Inspiratory Muscle Training

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Maximal Inspiratory Pressure (MIP)

    Maximal Inspiratory Pressure (MIP) will be measured using a calibrated handheld manometer following standardized respiratory assessment guidelines. Participants will be instructed to perform a maximal inspiratory effort from residual volume through the mouthpiece with their nose occluded. At least three maneuvers will be recorded, ensuring less than 10% variability between attempts. The highest reproducible value (cmH₂O) will be used for analysis. This measure reflects global inspiratory muscle strength and is widely validated in older and frail populations.

    Measured: Before-intervention; Immediately after intervention; 1-month after intervention; 3 months after intervention

  2. Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT)

    Functional exercise capacity will be assessed using the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). Participants will be instructed to walk at their fastest possible pace for six minutes along a 30-meter corridor, covering the greatest distance possible. The total distance walked (in meters) will be recorded.

    Participants will be continuously accompanied by the therapist and may use assistive devices and/or supplemental oxygen if required.

    Measured: Before-intervention; Immediately after intervention; 1-month after intervention; 3 months after intervention

  3. Timed Up and Go Test (TUG)

    Functional mobility and fall risk will be evaluated using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Participants will start seated in a chair with armrests. On command, they will stand up, walk 3 meters, turn around, return to the chair, and sit down. The total time to complete the task will be recorded in seconds.

    Interpretation criteria:

    < 20 seconds: normal performance

    ≥ 20 seconds: increased risk of falls

    Measured: Before-intervention; Immediately after intervention; 1-month after intervention; 3 months after intervention

  4. Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test (5STS)

    Lower limb functional strength will be assessed using the Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test (5STS). Participants will sit on a 43-45 cm high chair without armrests, with arms crossed over the chest, and will be instructed to stand up and sit down five times as quickly as possible.

    The total time to complete the test will be recorded in seconds. The minimal detectable change ranges from 3.6 to 4.2 seconds, and the minimal clinically important difference is 2.3 seconds. Age-related normative values will be considered for interpretation.

    Measured: Before-intervention; Immediately after intervention; 1-month after intervention; 3 months after intervention

  5. Upper Limb Muscle Strength (Handgrip Dynamometry)

    Upper limb muscle strength will be assessed using handgrip dynamometry following the recommendations of the American Society of Hand Therapists. Participants will be seated with the shoulder in adduction and neutral rotation, the elbow flexed at 90°, the forearm in neutral position, and the wrist positioned between 0° and 30° of extension.

    Three maximal grip strength measurements will be obtained from the dominant hand, with 1 minute of rest between trials. The highest value will be selected for analysis. Handgrip strength will be measured using a JAMAR dynamometer (Lafayette Instrument, Lafayette, IN, USA).

    Measured: Before-intervention; Immediately after intervention; 1-month after intervention; 3 months after intervention

  6. Lower Limb Muscle Strength (Isometric Knee Extension Dynamometry)

    Lower limb muscle strength will be assessed using isometric dynamometry to evaluate maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of the knee extensors. The protocol described by Hung et al. will be followed. Participants will perform two maximal isometric contractions, each lasting 5 seconds, with 3 minutes of rest between contractions to allow phosphocreatine resynthesis.

    Participants will be seated at the edge of a physiotherapy table with the knee positioned at 90° of flexion. The dynamometer will be placed at the level of the malleoli to standardize the lever arm and ensure maximal isometric contraction. The peak force achieved during each contraction will be recorded and normalized to body weight, with results expressed in Newtons (N).

    Lower limb dynamometry will be performed using the ActiveForce 2 device (Activbody, San Diego, CA, USA).

    Measured: Before-intervention; Immediately after intervention; 1-month after intervention; 3 months after intervention

  7. Muscle Oxygenation

    Muscle oxygen saturation (SmO₂) will be assessed using the Moxy Monitor (Fortiori Design LLC, Hutchinson, MN, USA), a wireless and portable device based on near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS).

    The measurement protocol described by Contreras-Briceño et al. will be followed and will consist of a 180-second resting measurement, followed by continuous monitoring during the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT).

    Outcome values will correspond to the mean SmO₂ (%) recorded during the final 30 seconds of each phase.

    The sensor will be placed over the muscle belly of the vastus lateralis following standard NIRS placement recommendations.

    Measured: Before-intervention; Immediately after intervention; 1-month after intervention; 3 months after intervention

  8. Total Hemoglobin Concentration (THb)

    Total hemoglobin concentration (THb) will be assessed using the same NIRS device (Moxy Monitor, Fortiori Design LLC, Hutchinson, MN, USA).

    Data acquisition and analysis will be performed using dedicated software (Moxy Software v1.5.5; Idiag, Fehraltorf, Switzerland). The same protocol will be applied: a 180-second resting measurement followed by continuous monitoring during the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT).

    Outcome values will correspond to the mean THb values recorded during the final 30 seconds of each phase.

    The sensor placement will be identical to that used for SmO₂ assessment (vastus lateralis).

    Measured: Before-intervention; Immediately after intervention; 1-month after intervention; 3 months after intervention

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted9 Jan 2026
  2. Study start1 Feb 2026 (estimated)
  3. Primary completion1 Aug 2026 (estimated)
  4. Study completion10 Sep 2026 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Double blind
Who is masked
Participant, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
30 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07328334
Sponsor's protocol ID
UFV-IMT2
Status last verified
Jan 2026
First submitted
19 Dec 2025
Last updated
9 Jan 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Undecided: At this time, it is unclear whether individual participant data (IPD) will be shared. Data sharing will depend on institutional policies, ethical approvals, participant privacy considerations, and the feasibility of preparing de-identified datasets. A final decision will be made once data collection and analysis are completed.

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Inspiratory Muscle Training in people with Frailty Syndrome and Geriatric Health, run by Universidad Francisco de Vitoria.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 8 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 9 Jan 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Sandra Sánchez Jorge, PhD (+34 913 24 80 64, s.sjorge.prof@ufv.es), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Maximal Inspiratory Pressure (MIP) (time frame: Before-intervention; Immediately after intervention; 1-month after intervention; 3 months after intervention). The study lists 8 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 9 Jan 2026.

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