Breathing Exercises Strengthen Core Muscles and May Reduce Liver Fat in Older Women

This randomized controlled trial investigated whether inspiratory muscle training could combat age-related muscle decline in postmenopausal women. The study specifically examined effects on core respiratory muscles and liver health in healthy elderly women aged 60-80 years.

Twenty-six participants were randomly divided into intervention and control groups of 13 each. The intervention group used PowerBreathe Classic devices for four weeks, performing 30 breathing cycles twice daily, five days per week. Training intensity started at 40% of maximum inspiratory pressure and increased by 10% weekly. The control group maintained their usual daily activities without intervention.

Researchers measured three key outcomes using medical imaging: diaphragm thickness, abdominal wall muscle thickness including transversus abdominis and oblique muscles, and fatty liver density. A radiologist conducted all measurements before and after the four-week intervention period to ensure accuracy and consistency.

The trial has completed enrollment and data collection, running from June to August 2025. This timing suggests the study addresses growing concerns about sarcopenia in aging populations, particularly postmenopausal women who experience accelerated muscle loss due to declining estrogen levels.

The findings could have significant implications for healthy aging strategies. If inspiratory muscle training proves effective at strengthening core muscles and improving liver health, it represents a simple, accessible intervention for older adults. Such breathing exercises require minimal equipment and can be performed at home, making them practical for widespread adoption in longevity-focused health programs.