The effects of inspiratory muscle warm-up prior to inspiratory muscle training during pulmonary rehabilitation in subjects with COPD

Abstract

<b>Aims and objectives:</b> To investigate the effects of inspiratory muscle warm-up prior to inspiratory muscle training during pulmonary rehabilitation in subjects with COPD <b>Methods:</b> The study consisted of 30 subjects with moderate-to-severe COPD.&nbsp;Pulmonary&nbsp;function tests, maximum inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory (MEP) pressures, 6-minute walk distance test (6MWD), modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale, Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form (SF-36) were evaluated. Subjects, who were admitted for pulmonary rehabilitation (PR)&nbsp;program for 8 weeks, were randomized divided into two groups. Both groups admitted the PR program. Control Group; performed inspiratory muscle training (IMT) during PR. Study Group; in addition to the control group, performed a specific protocol for warming up the inspiratory muscles before each IMT sessions. <b>Results:</b> The groups were similar in demographic and clinical terms (p&gt;0.05). Significant increases in FEV₁%, FVC%, MIP, 6MWT distance and sub-parameters of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) with a significant decrease in mMRC were found in both groups (p&lt;0.05). The improvements in FEV₁% (p=0.006), MIP (p=0.001), 6MWT distance (p=0.001), mMRC (p=0.033) and HRQOL values and were statistically higher in the study group (p&lt;0.05). <b>Conclusions:</b> Although inspiratory muscle training during PR improves respiratory functions, respiratory muscle strength, exercise capacity, dyspnea&nbsp;perception&nbsp;and&nbsp;HRQOL&nbsp;in moderate-to-severe subjects with COPD;&nbsp;warming up the inspiratory muscles before IMT further increases these gains.