Inspiratory muscle training in COPD patients

Abstract

AimThe aim of this study was to evaluate the impact a specific inspiratory muscle training (IMT) protocol had on dyspnoea, lung function, respiratory muscle pressure, tolerance to exercise and quality of life in a group of patients with ch ronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). PopulationWe studied 13 patients with moderate to very severe COPD divided into a control group (n=5) with an average FEV1 43.9±10.1% of predicted value and an IMT group (n=8) with FEV1 57.8±12.1% of predicted value. While this study group underwent IMT for five consecutive weeks, the control group did not undergo any kind of training. ResultsUsing a specific IMT protocol significantly improved maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) in the study group (initial MIP – 83.3±21.4 versus final MIP- 98.4±17.8 cmH2O; p<0.01). The same result was seen with the St. George Respiratory Question-naire (SGRQ) score in the study group (initial score 58±2.2 versus final score 50±2.1; p<0.05). No changes were recorded in the variables studied in the control group. ConclusionsThe use of IMT in patients with moderate to very severe COPD induced an improvement in inspiratory muscle force with a consequent improvement in the quality of life in relation to symptoms.