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Effects of the Aging Process on Respiratory Function
Gerontology, 08/27/09

Britto RR et al. – These findings suggest that the aging process of the respiratory system reduces the inspiratory muscle strength but does not have a significant impact on breathing pattern variables.

Methods

19 adults aged 20–59 years (group 1), 12 elderly aged 60–69 years (group 2) and 12 elderly above 69 years of age (group 3) who were all nonsmokers, untrained and with normal pulmonary function tests were studied using calibrated respiratory inductive plethysmography to assess tidal volume (Vt), respiratory frequency (f), minute ventilation, mean inspiratory flow [Vt/inspiratory time (Ti)], inspiratory duty cycle (Ti/total cycle time), labored breathing index (an asynchrony index measurement), percentage of rib cage motion and abdominal motion.
Measurements of the maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximal expiratory pressure and transcutaneous oxygen saturationwere also obtained.

Results

The maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) was statistically significantly lower in group 2 and group 3 compared to group 1.
There were no significant differences between the groups regarding breathing patterns, respiratory variables and thoracoabdominal motion.
No statistically significant differences between groups 2 and 3 were found for any of the investigated variables.

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