EFFECTS OF INSPIRATORY MUSCLE TRAINING ON FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN PULMONARY HYPERTENSIVE PATIENT

Abstract

Background: Exercise intolerance is present even in the early stages of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and is associated with poor prognosis. Respiratory muscle dysfunction is common and may contribute to exercise limitation. Objective: To determine the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in pulmonary hypertensive patient. Methodology: A randomized control trial was conducted at Services Hospital Lahore after approval from Medical Superintendent. A total of n=18 subjects were randomly allocated into two groups, both group received deep breathing exercise (DBE) and 2nd group received additionally Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) with pressure threshold Inspiratory muscle training device. All participants received 12 sessions in two weeks; the duration of each session was of 20 minutes. The outcome variables were functional capacity and quality of life (SF-36). In functional capacity, of the blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), partial pressure of oxygen (SpO2), distance walk (6min walk test) and level of dyspnea were recorded The data was evaluated at baseline and after 12th session. Results: The mean age of patients was 58.11±7.11 years, with 9 male and 9 female. After 2 weeks, the general health, social activities and energy were significantly (p<0.05) improved in experimental group. But no significant difference (p≥0.05) was observed between the group regarding activity limitation, physical and emotional health items of quality of life (SF-36). When comparing the Blood pressure and heart rate, no significant difference was observed between the groups, after 2 weeks of intervention (p≥0.05). While SpO2,6 MWT and dyspnea score was significantly (p<0.05) improved in experimental group as compare to control group. Conclusion: The Deep breathing and inspiratory muscle training both are equally effective with respect to improving the quality of life but IMT is more efficient as compared to Deep breathing for improving dyspnea and it also improves the pulmonary functional and exercise capacity. Key words: breathing exercises, dyspnea, inspiratory muscle training, pulmonary hypertension, quality of life.