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NCT Number: NCT07505914

Effects of Breathing Exercises on Cognition in Older Adults

The goal of this interventional clinical trial is to investigate the effects of breathing exercises added to balance training on cognitive function in individuals aged 65 years and older.

The main questions it aims to answer are:

Do breathing exercises affect cognition? Do different breathing exercises affect cognition in different ways?

Researchers will administer two different breathing protocols and evaluate cognition before and after each protocol.

Participants will take part in an 8-week program consisting of sessions that include 30 minutes of balance-based exercises and 15 minutes of breathing exercises. Sessions will be held twice weekly under the supervision of a physical therapist.

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Key information

Conditions

Older Adults (65 Years and Older) Balance Control in Elderly Cognition Fall Prevention in Healthy Aging

Age range

65 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Müzeyyen Keçeli Aile Sağlığı Merkezi

Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

Sami Sabri Bulgurlu

CONTACT

[email protected]

00902128035189

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Adults aged 65 years and older
  • Able to walk independently
  • Suitable for light to moderate physical activity
  • Willing and able to attend 2 sessions per week for 8 weeks

Exclusion criteria

  • Underwent surgery within the last 6 months
  • Currently participating in another structured rehabilitation program
  • Neurological disorders that significantly restrict mobility (e.g., Parkinson's disease, stroke)

Treatment and study plan

Balance Training Program

Other

A structured balance-based exercise program (30 minutes per session) designed to reduce fall risk and improve functional performance.

Inspiratory Muscle Training

Other

Training performed using a threshold device to strengthen inspiratory muscles for 15 minutes with intensity set individually and progressively adjusted.

Breathing Exercise Program

Other

Breathing exercises aimed at improving lung function and respiratory health, including diaphragmatic breathing and pursed-lip breathing. Exercises will be performed for 15 minutes

Primary outcomes

  1. Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of intervention at 8 weeks

    The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is used to assess global cognitive function. The total score ranges from 0 to 30, with higher scores indicating better cognitive performance.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Spirometry Parameters (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC Ratio)

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of intervention at 8 weeks

    Spirometry will be used to assess pulmonary function, including forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and the FEV1/FVC ratio. Higher values indicate better pulmonary function.

  2. Maximal Inspiratory and Expiratory Pressures (MIP/MEP)

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of intervention at 8 weeks

    Respiratory muscle strength will be assessed using maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) measurements. Higher values indicate greater respiratory muscle strength.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Deema Almurad

CONTACT

[email protected]

00905010492000

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Comparing Different Breathing Exercises Added to Balance Training on Cognitive and Functional Outcomes in Elderly Population

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Apr 1, 2026
Registry last updated
Apr 1, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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