Effects of inspiratory muscle training and aerobic training on inspiratory muscle strength in chronic systolic heart failure patients: a pilot study

Abstract

Background: Exercise intolerance and dyspnea are the main symptoms of heart failure (HF) patients. Inspiratory muscle weakness is a predictor of mortality in these patients. Aerobic training (AT) is strongly recommended for the treatment of HF patients. This modality of exercise increase pulmonary ventilation. It is unclear if this is sufficient to improve inspiratory muscle strenght in HF patients. Objectives: To compare the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) and AT on inspiratory muscle strength in patients with systolic HF. Methods: Patients aged 30-70 years with NYHA II-III chronic systolic HF, LVEF≤40%, body mass index Results: Only IMT significantly increased MIP (-86±9 vs -106±9 cmH2O) and Pdi Tw (28±7 vs 36±8 cmH2O). There was a tendency towards improve MIP in AT group (-91±10 vs -94±10cmH2O, P=0.09). No differences was observed in UN group. Conclusions: IMT improves overall inspiratory muscle and diaphragmatic muscle strength in HF patients. AT seems improve only overall inspiratory muscle strength but not diaphragmatic muscle strength in chronic systolic HF patients.