Effects of inspiratory muscle training on respiratory muscle strength, exercise capacity, physical fitness and daily living activities in patients with asthma

Abstract

Objective: Clinical control of asthma can be achieved with a proper pharmacological treatment. Therapy such as pulmonary rehabilitation and inspiratory muscle training (IMT) may also be beneficial. Aim of this study was to investigate effects of IMT on respiratory muscle strength, exercise capacity, physical fitness level and activity of daily life in asthmatics. Methods: Our study was carried out with 12 asthmatics (mean age:50.8±12.3years, FEV 1 (%):87.4±26.2). Outcome measurements were maximal inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory pressures (MEP), six minutes walk test (6MWT), Modified Borg Scale, London Chest Activities of Daily Living (LCADL), Senior Fitness Test. IMT was performed with a pressure threshold training device (POWERBreathe, HaB International, Ltd.Southam, UK) for 6 weeks, performed 30 dynamic inspiratory efforts twice daily at a pressure load of 50%MIP, reached at 80%MIP at 6 weeks. Participants were invited to the hospital for two days a week to control and determine training work load. Results: MIP(kPa)(p:0.00), MIP(%)(p:0.01) were significantly increased after IMT.There were significant differences in 6MWT distance (p=0.01), LCADL physical (p=0.02), domestic activities (p=0.01) subgroups. Eight-foot-up-go (p=0.02), chair sit-up (p=0.01), two-minute step (p=0.00), chair sit-reach (p=0.01) physical fitness scores were significant after IMT. Conclusions: Our results showed that inspiratory muscle training could increase respiratory muscle strength, physical fitness level, exercises capacity, activity of daily life in asthmatics. IMT can be an effective approach in asthmatics.