Inspiratory muscle training versus TheraBand resistance training: A comparative study on respiratory muscle performance in healthy adults

Authors: Jutt, U.R., Sheraz, S., Leggiero, L., Mansouryar, N., Razzaq, A., Ferraro, F.V.

Journal: Sport Sciences for Health

Publication Date: 01/12/2026

Volume: 22

Issue: 4

eISSN: 1825-1234

ISSN: 1824-7490

DOI: 10.1007/s11332-026-01972-7

Abstract:

Purpose: ="ae57a022-54f4-4afa-a039-53f9ffbca778" -theme="green" ID="Par1">Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) targets the inspiratory muscles, including diaphragm and intercostal muscles, and is commonly delivered using pressure-threshold devices. In contrast, TheraBand resistance training (TRT) is widely used to improve skeletal muscle strength and function. However, limited evidence exists comparing the effects of device based respiratory training and Theraband resistance training on respiratory muscle strength and pulmonary function in healthy individuals. Hence, this study aimed to compare the effects of IMT and TRT on diaphragmatic strength and pulmonary function in healthy adults. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted at Surriya Majeed Trust Hospital, Faisalabad (Pakistan), over six months. 60 healthy participants aged 18–30 years were randomly allocated to either an inspiratory muscle training (IMT) group, which performed pressure-threshold inspiratory muscle training, or a Thera-Band resistance training (TRT) group, which performed resistance exercises using Thera-Bands of varying intensities. Two participants from each group were lost to follow-up; therefore, 28 participants per group were included in the final analysis. Results: Maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and pulmonary function outcomes improved significantly in both groups; however, the increase in MIP was significantly greater in the IMT group than in the TRT group (p < 0.05), whereas no significant between-group differences were observed for pulmonary function outcomes (p > 0.05). Conclusion: These findings suggest that while both IMT and TRT are effective in improving pulmonary function in healthy adults, pressure-threshold IMT yields greater gains in inspiratory muscle strength.

Source: Scopus