In the aging process, the individual goes through physiological changes, especially the decline in lung function. The incentive spirometry, used in many populations, not yet makes clear the difference between the methods and the volume flow on respiratory variables in older subjects. This study aimed to compare the effects of incentive spirometry - volume and flow, on pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength and thoracoabdominal mobility in healthy elderly. It was a clinical trial with 48 elderly between 60 and 84 years old, randomized to the incentive spirometry by volume (n=23) or by flow (n=25). We evaluated the maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and the maximum expiratory pressure (MEP), volumes and pulmonary capacities and thoracoabdominal cirtometry before and after home training. The data were analyzed by two-way repeated measures analysis of variance. There was an increase in MIP, MEP, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second, minute volume, tidal volume and xiphoid and umbilical cirtometry level in both groups (p<0.001). When comparing both groups, the increase in FVC was higher in flow group (p=0.03) and there was a greater increase in axillary cirtometry in volume group (p=0.02). Both incentives were effective in improving lung function, respiratory muscle strength and thoracoabdominal mobility in healthy elderly, being good allies of respiratory therapy.
Breathing Exercises; Respiratory Muscles; Lung Volume Measurements; Aging; Physical Therapy Specialty
