Inspiratory Muscle Training Before Total Joint Arthroplasty to Improve Postoperative Outcomes: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Does inspiratory muscle training done before total joint arthroplasty improve respiratory strength, lung function, and early mobility after surgery?

Adults scheduled for total joint arthroplasty at a single urban academic health system; 31 enrolled as of May 2026, target sample size not stated

Protocol for a three-arm randomized — what this means prospective trial: daily inspiratory strength training starting about 4 weeks preoperatively, a single acute preoperative session, or standard care — what this means; assessments at baseline — what this means, day of surgery, and through the first 24 hours postoperatively

• No outcome results reported — this is a protocol paper with enrollment ongoing
• Enrollment began March 2024 with 31 participants as of May 2026; analysis and primary results anticipated in 2027

This protocol frames an open question about whether preoperative inspiratory muscle training benefits patients having shorter-stay joint replacement surgery; no efficacy evidence is available yet.