Efficiency of the Respiratory Training Prototype for Application in Hemodialysis Patients: a Preliminary Study

Abstract

Muscle wasting and activity limitations have been reported in patients undergoing hemodialysis, and these ultimately lead to poor quality of life. We aimed to develop a respiratory training device and determine its effectiveness in improving cardiorespiratory performance and dyspnea scores in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Twenty-five (25) patients aged ≥ 35 yr who underwent hemodialysis thrice a week were recruited in this quasi-experimental study. A respiratory training device was developed, and its effectiveness was examined. Participants performed a total of 45 inspirations (three sets of 15 inspirations) at 40% of the maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) thrice a week. Respiratory muscle strength, 6-min walk distance, and dyspnea score were assessed before and after the 8-wk intervention program. Paired t-tests were used to compare pre- and post-intervention values. Of the 25 patients enrolled, 22 (88%) completed the 8-wk program. Significant improvements in inspiratory muscle strength (∆14.23 ± 3.41 cmH2O), 6-min walk distance (∆20.09 ± 9.10 m), and rate of dyspnea (∆0.50 ± 0.16 scores) were observed after the 8-wk intervention. An 8-wk training program using a respiratory device prototype can effectively improve cardiorespiratory performance in terms of increase in inspiratory muscle strength, improved functional capacity, and dyspnea relief in patients undergoing hemodialysis.