Effects of physiotherapy on breathing cycle after thoracic surgery measured with impedance pneumography in a prospective clinical comparison.

BackgroundTwo respiratory physiotherapy modalities were compared in a randomized controlled trial on patients undergoing minor pleuro-pulmonary surgery.MethodsForty-five patients were randomly allocated into positive expiratory pressure (PEP) therapy (n=23) and inspiratory muscle training (IMT) groups (n=22). Individualized group specific physiotherapeutic guidance was administered preoperatively, and once a day postoperatively. Patients also performed independent exercises and kept a logbook. Pain was assessed on a numerical reference scale (NRS). Volumetric pulmonary function values and walking distance were recorded preoperatively, and on first (POD1) and second postoperative days (POD2). Pre- and postoperative values were compared using two-way repeated measures analysis of variance.ResultsPatient characteristics and pleuro-pulmonary interventions were similar between the groups. Thoracotomy was performed in 14/45 and video assisted surgery (VATS) in 31/45 of cases. Preoperative volumetric pulmonary functions were normal or slightly decreased in 29/45, and fell significantly (P<0.001) on the first postoperative day (POD1) and improved but remained significantly lower on the second postoperative day. The recovery of mean FEV1, FIV1 and FIVC values was greater in the IMT than in the PEP group between POD1 and POD2, but without significant difference. The corresponding relative to preoperative values were higher in the IMT group, with a significant difference in FEV1 (P=0.045). Also relative PEF and FIV1 values seemed to be slightly higher in the IMT compared to the PEP group, but not significantly. Average NRS values for pain were lower in the IMT group (P=0.010) but only on POD1. Air leak was noted in 4/45 patients, two in each group, on POD1, and two in PEP groups and one in IMT group on POD2. Mean measured walking distances between groups did not differ. Mean hospital stay was 4 days in the PEP group and 3 days in the IMT group. There was no hospital mortality.ConclusionsPulmonary function values decreased significantly after minor lung resections, supporting rehabilitative respiratory physiotherapy to avoid postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs). Both PEP and IMT training were well tolerated and equally efficient when comparing spirometry values at three time points. IMT appeared advantageous regarding relative FEV1 recovery and immediate postoperative pain.

The present study aimed to clarify the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) and expiratory muscle training (EMT) on ventilatory muscle strength, pulmonary function and responses during exercise testing. Young healthy women were randomly assigned to 3 groups: IMT (n=16); EMT (n=16); or untrained normal controls (NC, n=8). Subjects in the IMT and EMT groups trained for 15 minutes twice daily over 2 weeks at loads of 30% maximal inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength, respectively. Ventilatory muscle strength (maximal inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength; PImax and PEmax, respectively), pulmonary function and progressive exercise testing was performed. Both PImax and PEmax increased in the IMT group, and PEmax increased in the EMT group. Neither trained group demonstrated any change in pulmonary function or peak values during exercise testing. In the IMT group, exercise-induced increases in heart rate, oxygen uptake (VO2/kg) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) decreased with training, as did increases in VO2/kg and RPE in the EMT group. The increased ventilatory muscle strength in both IMT and EMT groups might improve ventilatory efficacy during exercise, and increased inspiratory muscle strength might facilitate oxygen delivery through improved circulatory responses.

Effect of inspiratory muscle training on dyspnea-related kinesiophobia in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A randomized controlled trial

High levels of respiratory muscle work may elicit a redistribution of blood flow from the locomotor to the respiratory muscles during exercise. It is unknown if specific inspiratory muscle training (IMT) can attenuate this response during high-intensity, whole-body exercise. PURPOSE: To examine the hemodynamic responses of multiple inspiratory muscles and the vastus lateralis (VL) during incremental cycling before and after 5 weeks of IMT. METHODS: After a comprehensive familiarization visit, 25 recreationally active healthy men (mean±SD; age=24±4; maximal aerobic power (V[Combining Dot Above]O2max)=52±10 ml·kg-1·min-1) completed two maximal incremental cycle exercise tests (25W/2min steps) separated by 5 weeks of pressure threshold IMT or sham-control training (SC). The IMT group (n=12) performed 30 inspiratory efforts twice daily against a minimum resistance of 50% of maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), adjusted weekly. The SC (n=13) group performed a daily bout of 60 inspiratory efforts against 10% MIP using the same device with no weekly adjustments. During the incremental cycle tests, participants were instrumented with NIRS optodes on the sternocleidomastoid (SCM), parasternal intercostals (PIC), 7th intercostal space (7IC), and VL to measure changes in oxygenated, deoxygenated, and total hemoglobin (tHb) concentrations. RESULTS: The IMT and SC groups were well matched for age, height, mass, and V[Combining Dot Above]O2max. There was a significant increase in MIP in the IMT group (mean±SD, 135±44 vs. 159±35 cmH2O, p<0.05) but not in the SC group (134±39 vs. 134±44 cmH2O, p>0.05). No differences were detected when comparing pre vs. post-IMT for any NIRS derived variables at relative percentages of maximal work rate (20, 40, 60, 80,100%) for any muscle in both the IMT and SC groups. The tHb (muscle blood volume) at the highest equivalent absolute work rate achieved by an individual on each test in the IMT group (pre vs. post-IMT) was 3±15 vs. 1±25, 1±9 vs. 2±11, -6±12 vs. -6±12, and 12±10 vs. 11±9[INCREMENT]μM whereas the SC group was 2±11 vs. 3±6, 1±9 vs. 4±8, -6±6 vs. -6±8, and 12±8 vs. 9±10[INCREMENT]μM in the SCM, PIC, 7IC, and VL, respectively (all p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Five weeks of pressure-threshold IMT had no effect on respiratory or locomotor muscle hemodynamics during incremental cycle exercise in healthy recreationally active men. Supported NSERC

Objective: To determine whether two types of exercise — breathing retraining (BRT) and inspiratory muscle training (IMT) — improve on cardiopulmonary functions and exercise tolerance in patients with stroke. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Setting: Education and research hospital. Subjects: Forty-five inpatients with stroke (24 men, 21 women) were recruited for the study. The subjects were randomized into three groups: 15 assigned to receive inspiratory muscle training (IMT); 15 assigned to received breathing retraining, diaphragmatic breathing and pursed-lips breathing (BRT); 15 assigned to a control group. Interventions: All study groups participated in a conventional stroke rehabilitation programme. For the same period, the IMT and BRT groups trained daily, six times a week, with each session consisting of one half-hour of training for six weeks. Main measures: Each subject underwent pulmonary function and cardiopulmonary exercise tests. Subjects were also assessed for exertional dyspnoea, stages of motor recovery, ambulation status, activity of daily living and quality of life. Results: After the training programme, the IMT group had significantly improved forced expiratory volume at 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), vital capacity (VC), forced expiratory flow rate 25—75% (FEF 25—75%) and maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) values compared with the BRT and control groups, although there were no significant differences between the BRT and control groups (P<0.01). Peak expiratory flow rate (PEF) value was increased significantly in the BTR group compared with the IMT and control groups. The IMT group also had significantly higher peak oxygen consumption (Vo2peak) than the BRT and control groups, although there were no significant differences between the BRT and control groups (P<0.001). There was a statistically significant increase in maximum inspiratory pressure (PImax) and maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressure (PEmax) in the BRT group and, PImax in the IMT group compared with baseline and the control group. In the IMT group, this was associated with improvements in exercise capacity, sensation of dyspnoea and quality of life. Conclusions: Significant short-term effects of the respiratory muscle training programme on respiratory muscle function, exercise capacity and quality of life were recorded in this study.

The effects of a 10-week inspiratory muscle training (IMT) program at home were compared to IMT during a 10-week pulmonary rehabilitation program (PR) in 40 COPD patients with a ventilatory limitation of the exercise capacity. IMT was performed with a target-flow resistive device; the generated mouth pressure as well as the duty cycle were imposed. The mean age of the patients was 59, the mean FEV1 was 48% of predicted. In the training period the inspiratory muscle strength improved in both groups to the same degree. EMG fatigability of the diaphragm improved in the PR+ IMT group, but not in the IMT group. In the IMT group, the 12-min walking distance increased after the training period, but maximal workload (Wmax), VO2,max, and ADL scores did not change. In the PR + IMT group, however, Wmax, VO2,max, walking distance, and ADL scores improved significantly after the training period. Walking distance and ADL scores showed a significantly greater improvement in the PR + IMT group than in the IMT group. It is concluded that both isolated IMT and PR + IMT in COPD patients with a ventilatory limitation have a beneficial effect on inspiratory muscle strength, but PR + IMT improves the physical exercise capacity significantly more than IMT alone.

Patients undergoing mechanical ventilation often develop rapid diaphragmatic atrophy, respiratory muscle weakness, and dysfunction, which are associated with prolonged duration of ventilation. This study aimed to evaluate whether Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT) facilitates weaning from mechanical ventilation and enhances muscle strength in critically ill, subacute adult patients, while examining the relationship between IMT and relevant clinical laboratory values. In this randomized clinical trial, patients admitted to the intensive care unit requiring mechanical ventilation for more than 2 days, with stable hemodynamics and resolved acute conditions, were enrolled. Participants were randomly assigned to the IMT or no-IMT group. The IMT group received training twice daily, 5 days a week, for three consecutive weeks. The primary outcome was ventilator duration. The primary outcome measure was the number of days until liberation from mechanical ventilation. The secondary outcomes of interest were respiratory muscle strength and biomarker levels. Thirty-three subjects (17 in the IMT group, 16 in the no-IMT group) were included in the final analysis. The IMT group had significantly shorter ventilator days (12.6 ± 5.2 vs. 18.1 ± 8.8, p = 0.04). IMT intervention significantly reduced rapid shallow breathing index and improved respiratory muscle strength, with greater maximum inspiratory pressure (p < 0.01), maximum expiratory pressure (p = 0.03), and peak expiratory flow (p = 0.01). A moderate positive correlation was observed between IMT and increased creatinine levels (rs = 0.54, p = 0.01), whereas the no-IMT group showed a reduction. IMT significantly shortened ventilator duration and improved respiratory muscle strength. A moderate correlation between increased creatinine levels and respiratory muscle strength was observed, suggesting that creatinine may be a potential biomarker for muscle recovery during IMT. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06611683).

ObjectivesWe investigated the effect of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on inspiratory muscle strength, functional capacity and respiratory muscle kinematics during exercise in healthy older adults. Methods24 adults were randomised into an IMT or SHAM-IMT group. Both groups performed 30 breaths, twice daily, for 8 weeks, at intensities of ∼50 % maximal inspiratory pressure (PImax; IMT) or <15 % PImax (SHAM-IMT). Measurements of PImax, breathing discomfort during a bout of IMT, six-minute walk distance, physical activity levels, and balance were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Respiratory muscle kinematics were assessed via optoelectronic plethysmography (OEP) during constant work rate cycling. ResultsPImax was significantly improved (by 20.0±11.9 cmH2O; p=0.001) in the IMT group only. Breathing discomfort ratings during IMT significantly decreased (from 3.5±0.9–1.7±0.8). Daily sedentary time was decreased (by 28.0±39.8 min; p=0.042), and reactive balance significantly improved (by 1.2±0.8; p<0.001) in the IMT group only. OEP measures showed a significantly greater contribution of the pulmonary and abdominal rib cage compartments to total tidal volume expansion post-IMT. ConclusionsIMT significantly improves inspiratory muscle strength and breathing discomfort in this population. IMT induces greater rib cage expansion and diaphragm descent during exercise, thereby suggesting a less restrictive effect on thoracic expansion and increased diaphragmatic power generation.

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and feasibility of home-based inspiratory muscle training in patients with bronchiectasis. Design: A prospective, single-blind, randomized, controlled study. Setting: Outpatient clinic of a tertiary care medical centre. Methods: Twenty-six patients with bronchiectasis were randomly divided into inspiratory muscle training and control groups. In the inspiratory muscle training group (n = 13), the training programme started with an intensity of 30% maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), which was increased by 2 cmH2O each week, for 30 minutes daily, 5 days a week for eight weeks. The control group (n = 13) did not receive inspiratory muscle training. Main outcome measures included spirometry, resting oxyhaemoglobin saturation by pulse oximetry (SpO2), lowest SpO2 and Borg Scale during 6-minute walking tests, 6-minute walking distance (6MWD), 6-minute walking work (6Mwork), MIP, maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) and St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire. Results: There were significant differences in change from baseline in 6MWD (411.9 (133.5) vs. 473.2 (117.2) m, P = 0.021), 6Mwork (21 051.0 (8286.7) vs. 23 915.5 (8343.0) kg-m, P = 0.022), MIP (60.8 (21.8) vs. 84.6 (29.0) cmH2O, P = 0.004), and MEP (72.3 (31.1) vs. 104.2 (35.7) cmH2O, P = 0.004) in the inspiratory muscle training group. Significant improvements in both MIP (23.8 (25.3) vs. 2.3 (16.4) cmH2O, adjusted P-value = 0.005) and MEP (31.9 (30.8) vs. 11.5 (20.8) cmH2O, adjusted P-value = 0.038) levels after adjusting for age by linear regression analysis were observed between groups. Conclusions: An eight-week home-based inspiratory muscle training is feasible and effective in improving both inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength, but has no effect on respiratory function and quality of life in patients with bronchiectasis.

People with chronic renal failure (CRF) show decreased respiratory fitness and poor quality of life (QOL). Exercise during hemodialysis has been suggested to improve the cardio-respiratory fitness. However, results of effects of respiratory muscle (RM) training on respiratory fitness and QOL are inconsistent. In addition, very few studies explored the association between inspiratory muscle (IM) training and sensation of breathlessness. To examine the effects of IM training in hemodialysis patients on respiratory fitness QOL and breathlessness. A randomized control trial with 50 CRF, who underwent hemodialysis (25 individuals in each group; IM training and sham group) was designed. Pulmonary function, RM strength, QOL (measured by Kidney Disease Quality of Life-36), and sensation of breathlessness were measured before and after an 8-week intervention. Compared to the sham group, the IM strength increased in the intervention group after an 8-week program (Δ25.92 ± 8.73 cmH2 O, p = 0.005). Significantly increased IM and forced vital capacity values in training groups was observed after an 8-week intervention (Δ12.44 ± 3.07 cmH2 O and Δ0.097 ± 0.046 L, respectively), but not the sham group. Neither, the training group, nor the sham group were significantly different in the QOL. However, feeling of shortness of breath improved after the training program among inspiratory muscle training group, but not the sham group. IM training during hemodialysis could lead to an improvement of respiratory fitness and reduce breathlessness in people with CRF who are receiving hemodialysis. However, QOL was not different after the training program. The study suggests that after 8-week intervention program, IM training (loading exercise) could improve IM strength, pulmonary function without any complications during the intervention program within 1-2 h.

Although inspiratory muscle training (IMT) is an effective intervention for improving breath perception, brain mechanisms have not been studied yet. To examine the effects of IMT on insula and default mode network (DMN) using resting-state functional MRI (RS-fMRI). Prospective. A total of 26 healthy participants were randomly assigned to two groups as IMT group (n=14) and sham IMT groups (n=12). A 3-T, three-dimensional T2* gradient-echo echo planar imaging sequence for RS-fMRI was obtained. The intervention group received IMT at 60% and sham group received at 15% of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) for 8 weeks. Pulmonary and respiratory muscle function, and breathing patterns were measured. Groups underwent RS-fMRI before and after the treatment. Statistical tests were two-tailed P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Student's t test was used to compare the groups. One-sample t-test for each group was used to reveal pattern of functional connectivity. A statistical threshold of P < 0.001 uncorrected value was set at voxel level. We used False discovery rate (FDR)-corrected P < 0.05 cluster level. The IMT group showed more prominent alterations in insula and DMN connectivity than sham group. The MIP was significantly different after IMT. Respiratory rate (P=0.344), inspiratory time (P=0.222), expiratory time (P=1.000), and inspiratory time/total breath time (P=0.572) of respiratory patterns showed no significant change after IMT. All DMN components showed decreased, while insula showed increased activation significantly. Differences in brain activity and connectivity may reflect improved ventilatory perception with IMT with a possible role in regulating breathing pattern by processing interoceptive signals. 2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 4.

Objective: We performed a systematic review to determine the effect of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on inspiratory muscle strength and endurance, exercise capacity, dyspnoea and quality of life for adolescents and adults living with cystic fibrosis. Data sources: MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL electronic databases were searched up to January 2008. Review methods: We performed a systematic review using the methodology outlined in the Cochrane Collaboration protocol. Articles were included if: (1) participants were adolescents or adults with cystic fibrosis (>13 years of age); (2) an IMT group was compared to a sham IMT, no intervention or other intervention group; (3) the study used a randomized controlled trial or cross-over design; and (4) it was published in English. Data were abstracted and methodological quality was assessed independently by two reviewers. Results: The search strategy yielded 36 articles, of which two met the inclusion criteria. Both studies used a targeted or threshold device for IMT. Meta-analyses were limited to forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC), which showed no difference in effect between the IMT group and the sham and/or control group. Individual study results were inconclusive for improvement in inspiratory muscle strength. One study demonstrated improvement in inspiratory muscle endurance. Conclusion: The benefit of IMT in adolescents and adults with cystic fibrosis for outcomes of inspiratory muscle function is supported by weak evidence. Its impact on exercise capacity, dyspnoea and quality of life is not clear. Future research should investigate the characteristics of the subgroup of people with cystic fibrosis that might benefit most from IMT.

This study evaluated the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in glucose control and respiratory muscle function in patients with diabetes. It was a randomized clinical trial conducted at the Physiopathology Laboratory of the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. Patients with Type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned to IMT or placebo-IMT (P-IMT), performed at 30% and 2% of maximal inspiratory pressure, respectively, every day for 12 weeks. The main outcome measures were HbA1c, glycemia, and respiratory muscle function. Thirty patients were included: 73.3% women, 59.6 ± 10.7 years old, HbA1c 8.7 ± 0.9% (71.6 ± 9.8mmol/mol), and glycemia 181.8 ± 57.8mg/dl (10.5 ± 3.2mmol/L). At the end of the training, HbA1c was 8.2 ±0.3% (66.1 ± 3.3mmol/mol) and 8.7 ± 0.3% (71.6 ± 3.3mmol/mol) for the IMT and P-IMT groups, respectively (p = .8). Fasting glycemia decreased in both groups with no difference after training although it was lower in IMT at 8 weeks: 170.0 ± 11.4 mg/dl(9.4 ± 0.6 mmol/L) and 184.4 ± 15.0mg/dl (10.2 ± 0.8mmol/L) for IMT and P-IMT, respectively (p < .05). Respiratory endurance time improved in the IMT group (baseline = 325.9 ± 51.1s and 305.0 ± 37.8s; after 12 weeks = 441.1 ± 61.7s and 250.7 ± 39.0s for the IMT and P-IMT groups, respectively; p < .05). Considering that glucose control did not improve, IMT should not be used as an alternative to other types of exercise in diabetes. Higher exercise intensities or longer training periods might produce better results. The clinical trials identifier is NCT03191435.

We examined the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) upon volitional hyperpnoea-mediated increases in blood lactate ([lac(-)](B)) during cycling at maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) power, and blood lactate and oxygen uptake kinetics at the onset of exercise. Twenty males formed either an IMT (n = 10) or control group (n = 10). Prior to and following a 6-week intervention, two 30 min trials were performed at MLSS (207 ± 28 W), determined using repeated 30 min constant power trials. The first was a reference trial, whereas during the second trial, from 20 to 28 min, participants mimicked the breathing pattern commensurate with 90% of the maximal incremental exercise test minute ventilation ([Formula: see text]). Prior to the intervention, the MLSS [lac(-)](B) was 3.7 ± 1.8 and 3.9 ± 1.6 mmol L(-1) in the IMT and control groups, respectively. During volitional hyperpnoea, [Formula: see text] increased from 79.9 ± 9.5 and 76.3 ± 15.4 L min(-1) at 20 min to 137.8 ± 15.2 and 135.0 ± 19.7 L min(-1) in IMT and control groups, respectively; [lac(-)](B) concurrently increased by 1.0 ± 0.6 (+27%) and 0.9 ± 0.7 mmol L(-1) (+25%), respectively (P < 0.05). Following the intervention, maximal inspiratory mouth pressure increased 19% in the IMT group only (P < 0.01). Following IMT only, the increase in [lac(-)](B) during volitional hyperpnoea was abolished (P < 0.05). In addition, the blood lactate (-28%) and phase II oxygen uptake (-31%) kinetics time constants at the onset of exercise and the MLSS [lac(-)](B) (-15%) were reduced (P < 0.05). We attribute these changes to an IMT-mediated increase in the oxidative and/or lactate transport capacity of the inspiratory muscles.

Background: Patients with asthma present increased inspiratory muscle work, especially during exercise. Aim: To evaluate the effects of Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on lung function, inspiratory endurance and functional capacity in patients with asthma. Methods: Double-blind control design. Ten patients (four males, 43±11 years) with controlled mild-severe asthma were randomised in two groups [IMT group (IMT-G) and controls (CG)]. Both received two educational sessions on asthma care. IMT-G used PowerBreathe® to perform IMT with a minimum load of 50% of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) weekly adjusted, six sets of 30 breaths/day, five days/week. Lung function, MIP, inspiratory endurance and functional capacity (Shuttle test) were assessed at baseline and after eight weeks. ANOVA 2x2 with post-hoc LSD was used for comparisons, α=0.05. Results: Improvements were significant higher (p 2 0 [88% (IMT-G) vs 19% (CG)] and work-J [486% (IMT-G) vs 28% (CG)]. Significant differences between groups were found in number of breaths [31±28 to 96±21 (IMT-G) vs 25±9 to 25±9 (CG); p=0.008] and time-s [214±150 to 511±146 (IMT-G) vs 205±43 to 192±57 (CG); p=0.040] during inspiratory endurance test. No significant differences were observed in lung function and functional capacity. Conclusions: Our data suggest that inspiratory muscle training can improve inspiratory endurance and time to fatigue in patients with asthma. Partially suported by: CAPES, CNPq and FAPEMIG - Brazilian agencies.