Efficacy Of Inspiratory Muscle Training Research Articles

The efficacy of inspiratory muscle training in patients with coronary artery disease: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been recognized as an effective form of training in patients with cardiovascular disease and heart failure. However, little is known about the efficacy of IMT in the treatment of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of this systematic review will be to evaluate randomized controlled studies to understand the effect of IMT on CAD patients. We will include randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of IMT in patients 18 years and older diagnosed with CAD. Crossover trials, cluster-randomized, quasi-randomized, and non-randomized trials will be excluded. Study search will be conducted in major databases (MEDLINE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, and PEDro). The study intervention will be IMT independent of the duration, frequency, or intensity of training. The primary outcome will be quality of life, patient-reported health status, and all adverse events related to IMT. Secondary outcomes will include exercise capacity and respiratory muscle strength. The risk of bias will be evaluated based on the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Screening, data extraction, and quality assessment will be performed by two independent reviewers. If two or more studies are considered to be clinically homogeneous, a meta-analysis based on the random-effects model will be performed. The quality of evidence will be evaluated based on the GRADE approach. This systematic review will improve our understanding of the effects of IMT on CAD patients and potentially establish IMT as an alternative form of exercise training for the treatment of CAD. Study registration. OSF registries (https://osf.io/3ch7m). Date registered: May 10, 2022. Registration DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/GVMY7.

Telemedicine-based inspiratory muscle training and walking promotion with lung cancer survivors following curative intent therapy: a parallel-group pilot randomized trial

PurposeFollowing curative-intent therapy of lung cancer, many survivors experience dyspnea and physical inactivity. We investigated the feasibility, acceptability, safety, and potential efficacy of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) and walking promotion to disrupt a postulated “dyspnea-inactivity” spiral.MethodsBetween January and December 2022, we recruited lung cancer survivors from Kaiser Permanente Colorado who completed curative-intent therapy within 1–6 months into a phase-IIb, parallel-group, pilot randomized trial (1:1 allocation). The 12-week intervention, delivered via telemedicine, consisted of exercise training (IMT + walking), education, and behavior change support. Control participants received educational materials on general exercise. We determined feasibility a priori: enrollment of ≥ 20% eligible patients, ≥ 75% retention, study measure completion, and adherence. We assessed acceptability using the Telemedicine-Satisfaction-and-Usefulness-Questionnaire and safety events that included emergency department visits or hospitalizations. Patient-centered outcome measures (PCOMs) included dyspnea (University-of-California-San-Diego-Shortness-of-Breath-Questionnaire), physical activity (activPAL™ steps/day), functional exercise capacity (mobile-based-six-minute-walk-test), and health-related quality of life (HRQL, St.-George’s-Respiratory-Questionnaire). We used linear mixed-effects models to assess potential efficacy.ResultsWe screened 751 patients, identified 124 eligible, and consented 31 (25%) participants. Among 28 participants randomized (14/group), 22 (11/group) completed the study (79% retention). Intervention participants returned > 90% of self-reported activity logs, completed > 90% of PCOMs, and attended > 90% of tele-visits; 75% of participants performed IMT at the recommended dose. Participants had high satisfaction with tele-visits and found the intervention useful. There was no statistically significant difference in safety events between groups. Compared to control participants from baseline to follow-up, intervention participants had statistically significant and clinically meaningful improved HRQL (SGRQ total, symptom, and impact scores) (standardized effect size: -1.03 to -1.30).ConclusionsAmong lung cancer survivors following curative-intent therapy, telemedicine-based IMT + walking was feasible, acceptable, safe, and had potential to disrupt the “dyspnea-inactivity” spiral. Future efficacy/effectiveness trials are warranted and should incorporate IMT and walking promotion to improve HRQL.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05059132.

Evaluation of Recovery Efficacy of Inspiratory Muscle Training After Lobectomy Based on Computed Tomography 3D Reconstruction.

Progressive resistance inspiratory muscle training is the principle of inspiratory air-flow resistance loading training to restore diaphragm function, increase alveolar compliance, and further improve respiratory function. However, there is a lack of research on the effectiveness of progressive resistance inspiratory training in post-lobectomy rehabilitation and the accurate assessment of lung volumes. In this study, 79 subjects diagnosed with lung cancer and undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy were retrospectively analyzed. The subjects were divided into a control group (n = 40) and an observation group (n =39) according to the different training modalities. The control group received conventional respiratory training. The observation group received progressive resistance inspiratory muscle training based on conventional breathing training. The primary outcome indicators were the following: lung function and lung volume. The secondary outcome indicators were the following: the number of postoperative hospital days, duration of drain retention, and incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications. Baseline data on age, sex, body mass index, smoking history, education level, underlying disease, type of pathology, lung cancer stages, surgical site, preoperative lung volume, and preoperative lung function were not statistically different between the 2 groups (P > .05). The subjects in the observation group had median (interquartile range [IQR]) lung volumes at 1 month after surgery (3.22 [3.12-3.37] L vs 3.14 [2.95-3.24] L; P = .031), median (IQR) FEV1 (2.11 [1.96-2.21] L vs 2.01 [1.81-2.12] L; P = .031), and mean ± SD peak expiratory flow (5.07 ± 0.62 L/s vs 4.66 ± 0.64 L/s; P = .005) were higher than those in the control group. The median (IQR) postoperative hospital stays (5 [4-5] d vs 5 [4-6] d; P = .030) and the median (IQR) chest drain retention times were shorter in the observation group versus the control group (74 [72-96] h vs 96 [84-96] h; P = .02). There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative atelectasis (5.1% vs 10.0%; P = .41) and pneumonia (7.7% vs 12.5%; P = .48). Progressive resistance inspiratory muscle training was effective in improving lung volume and lung function, and in reducing the length of hospital stay and chest drain closure time after lobectomy.

VP.60 Every breath counts! Inspiratory muscle training in children with neuromuscular diseases: a cross-over randomised controlled trial

Progressive respiratory muscle weakness and ineffective cough contributes to morbidity and mortality in children with neuromuscular diseases (NMD). Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) aims to preserve or improve respiratory muscle strength and reduce respiratory morbidity. This study aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of IMT in children with NMD. A randomised cross-over study compared three-month intervention (IMT) with control periods. During the intervention, children with NMD (5-18 years) from two provinces in South Africa performed 30 breaths (at 30% of inspiratory muscle strength (Pimax)) with an electronic threshold device, twice daily. During the control period participants did not perform any IMT. Twenty-three participants (median (IQR) age of 12.33 (10.03-14.17) years), mostly male (n=20) and non-ambulant (n=14) were included. No adverse events related to IMT were reported. There was no evidence of a difference in median patient hospitalisation and respiratory tract infection rates between control and intervention periods (p=0.60; p=0.21). During IMT, Pimax and peak cough flow improved with a mean (SD) of 14.57 (±15.67) cmH2O and 32.27 (±36.60) L/min, compared to a change of 3.04(±11.93)cmH2O (p=0.01) and -16.59 (±48.29) L/min (p=0.0005) during the control period. There was no evidence of change in spirometry, functional ability and total health-related quality of life scores following intervention. Patient satisfaction with IMT was high (median 8/10 (IQR 5-10)) and adherence was good. A three-month IMT programme in children with NMD is well tolerated, appears to be safe and is associated with a significant improvement in respiratory muscle strength and cough efficacy.

Efficacy of Inspiratory Muscle Training on Respiratory Muscle Strength in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Recipients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Objective: To investigate whether inspiratory muscle training improves respiratory muscle strength and function and reduces dyspnea and fatigue in hematopoietic stem cell recipients. Design: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Participants: People with hematological neoplasms who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Intervention: Inspiratory muscle training with POWER breath Plus, POWERbreathe, Classic, and Threshold devices, with a load of 40% of the maximum inspiratory pressure. Outcome Measures: The primary outcomes were maximal inspiratory pressure, maximal expiratory pressure, forced expiratory volume in the first second of expiration (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and the FEV1/FVC ratio. Secondary outcomes were dyspnea, fatigue, respiratory rate, peripheral O2 saturation, quality of life, and functional capacity. Results: The search identified 3 eligible studies with a sample of 108 participants. Maximal inspiratory pressure was higher in the intervention group in the 3 studies reviewed, with an average difference of −9.3 cm H2O, −31.94 cm H2O, and −16 cm H2O in relation to the control group after inspiratory muscle training. One study found an improvement in the distance covered in the 6-minute walk test (34.22 m) and in the distance covered in the modified incremental shuttle walking test (66.43 m) in the intervention group. Limitation: This systematic review includes only 3 randomized controlled clinical trials. Conclusion: Inspiratory muscle training is effective in increasing inspiratory muscle strength and functional capacity in bone marrow transplant recipients. However, its effects on fatigue and dyspnea remain uncertain.

Inspiratory Muscle Training for Asthmatic Patients: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Studies

Abstract Introduction The efficacy of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) for asthma control remains controversial. We conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the influence of IMT on asthma control. Methods We search PubMed, EMbase, Web of science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases through May 2020 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the efficacy of IMT for asthma control. This meta-analysis is performed using the random-effect model. Results Six RCTs are included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with control group for asthma, IMT can remarkably increase MIP (SMD=3.32; 95% CI=1.73 to 4.91; P<0.0001) and decrease dyspnea scores (SMD=−0.77; 95% CI=−1.34 to −0.21; P=0.007), but has no obvious effect on FEV1 (SMD=0.36; 95% CI=−0.74 to 1.45; P=0.52) or FVC (SMD=2.09; 95% CI=−0.70 to 4.89; P=0.14). Conclusions IMT may benefit to the treatment of asthma.

Efficacy of inspiratory muscle training on inspiratory muscles strength, functional capacity, and quality of life in patients with interstitial lung disease. A single non-controlled clinical study

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of low level laser therapy (extravascular laser blood irradiation) on glycaemic levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients The most disabling symptoms in interstitial lung disease (ILD) patients are exertional dyspnoea, functional limitations, and impaired quality of life (QoL), all related to inspiratory muscle dysfunction. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of inspiratory muscle training by using a threshold device on inspiratory muscle strength, functional capacity, and QoL in patients with ILD.MethodsA single non-controlled clinical study was conducted among 30 patients with different subtypes of ILD who received 30-minute threshold inspiratory muscle training 3 times per week for 12 weeks at 30% of the maximum inspiratory pressure (PI<sub>max</sub>). PI<sub>max</sub>, distance walked in a 2-minute walk test (2MWT), oxygen saturation (SO<sub>2</sub>%), and QoL by the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey were measured before and after the intervention.ResultsA significant improvement was observed in all measured variables: PI<sub>max</sub> (<i>p</i> = 0.0001), distance walked in 2MWT (<i>p</i> = 0.003), SO<sub>2</sub>% (<i>p</i> = 0.043), and the QoL score (<i>p</i> < 0.05).ConclusionsIt was found that threshold inspiratory muscle training is recommended to be a part of the routine care for ILD patients to gain the benefits of improving the control of the symptoms.

Feasibility and Efficacy of Inspiratory Muscle Training in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer receiving Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy.

Objectives:Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) often experience pulmonary symptoms. This study evaluated if a 7-week inspiratory muscle training (IMT) program during CCRT is feasible, adherent, and safe in patients with HNC. This study also evaluated the effect of IMT on diaphragm thickness, mobility, and cardiorespiratory parameters in patients with HNC receiving CCRT. Methods:Ten participants with advanced stage HNC receiving CCRT were recruited for the study. Feasibility, adherence, and safety of the intervention were the primary outcomes. Changes in diaphragm thickness and mobility, maximal inspiratory pressure, maximal expiratory pressure, forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in first second and functional capacity using 6-MWT were measured at baseline and post 7 weeks of CCRT. IMT was performed at one session per day for 5 days a week for 7 weeks. Eight sets of two minutes of inspiratory manoeuvres with one minute rest period between them with intensity of 40% MIP were given. Results:Ten participants were included in this study out of the 13 patients screened, indicating the feasibility to be 76.9%. Participants completed a total of 260 training sessions out of the 350 planned sessions denoting the adherence level as 74%. Diaphragm thickness and MEP remained significantly unchanged while significant decline was seen in diaphragm mobility, MIP,FVC, FEV1 and 6-MWD at the end of 7 weeks. No adverse events were reported following the intervention. Conclusion:Inspiratory muscle training did not show significant effect on the diaphragm thickness, mobility, and cardiorespiratory parameters; however, it was feasible, adherent, and safe in patients with HNC receiving CCRT.

Inspiratory muscle training in children and adolescents living with neuromuscular diseases: A pre-experimental study.

BackgroundChildren with neuromuscular diseases (NMD) are at risk of morbidity and mortality because of progressive respiratory muscle weakness and ineffective cough. Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) aims to preserve or improve respiratory muscle strength, thereby reducing morbidity and improving health-related quality of life (HRQoL).ObjectivesTo describe the safety and feasibility of a 6-week IMT programme using an electronic threshold device (Powerbreathe®). Any adverse events and changes in functional ability, spirometry, peak expiratory cough flow (PECF), inspiratory muscle strength and HRQoL (Pediatric Quality of Life [PedsQL]) were recorded.MethodsA convenience sample of eight participants (n = 4 boys; median [interquartile range {IQR}] age: 12.21 [9.63–16.05] years) with various NMD were included in a pre-experimental, observational pre-test post-test feasibility study. Training consisted of 30 breaths, twice daily, 5 days a week, for 6 weeks.ResultsThere were significant pre- to post-intervention improvements in upper limb function and coordination (p = 0.03) and inspiratory muscle strength: maximum inspiratory mouth pressure (Pimax) (p = 0.01); strength-index (p = 0.02); peak inspiratory flow (PIF) (p = 0.02), with no evidence of change in spirometry, PECF or HRQoL. No adverse events occurred and participant satisfaction and adherence levels were high.ConclusionInspiratory muscle training (at an intensity of 30% Pimax) appears safe, feasible and acceptable, in a small sample of children and adolescents with NMD and was associated with improved inspiratory muscle strength, PIF and upper limb function and coordination.Clinical implicationsLarger, longer-term randomised controlled trials are warranted to confirm the safety and efficacy of IMT as an adjunct respiratory management strategy in children with NMD.

The Safety and Efficacy of Inspiratory Muscle Training for Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Uncommonly high rates of pneumonia in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have been observed during recent years. Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) could reduce pneumonia in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting and other cardiac surgeries. The relationship between IMT and AMI is unknown. Here, we describe the feasibility and potential benefit of IMT in patients at high risk for pneumonia with AMI who have undergone primary PCI.Methods: Our study is a prospective, randomized, controlled, single-center clinical trial. A total of 60 participants will be randomized into an IMT group and control group with 30 participants in each group. Participants in the IMT group will undergo training for 15 min per session, twice a day, from 12 to 24 h after primary PCI, until 30 days post-randomization; usual care will be provided for the control group. The primary endpoint is the change in inspiratory muscle strength, the secondary endpoint included feasibility, pneumonia, major adverse cardiovascular events, length of stay, pulmonary function tests measure, and quality of life.Discussion: Our study is designed to evaluate the feasibility of IMT and its effectiveness in improving inspiratory muscle strength in participants with AMI who have undergone primary PCI.Clinical Trial Registration: www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT04491760.

Efficacy of inspiratory muscle training on inspiratory muscle function, functional capacity, and quality of life in patients with asthma: A randomized controlled trial

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of an inspiratory muscle training protocol on inspiratory muscle function, functional capacity, and quality of life in patients with asthma. Design: A single-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial. Setting: Community-based. Subjects: Patients with asthma, aged between 20 and 70 years old, non-smokers. Interventions: Participants were randomized into two groups: inspiratory muscle training group performed inspiratory muscle training 5 days a week for 8 weeks, consisting of six sets of 30 breaths per day with a training load ⩾50% of maximal inspiratory pressure, plus an educational program; the control group only received the educational program. Main measurements: Maximal inspiratory pressure, inspiratory muscle endurance, and the distance performed on the incremental shuttle walking test were assessed pre-intervention, post-intervention and at follow-up (3 months after the end of the intervention). The asthma quality of life questionnaire was applied pre and post-intervention. Results: Data from 39 participants were analyzed. Maximal inspiratory pressure in percentage of predicted and endurance test duration were significantly higher post-intervention in the inspiratory muscle training group (∆ post–pre: 50.8% vs 7.3% of predicted – P < 0.001 and ∆ post–pre: 207.9 seconds vs 2.7 seconds – P < 0.001, respectively). There was no significant difference in the incremental shuttle walking distance between groups (∆ post–pre: 30.9 m vs −8.1 m, P = 0.165). Quality of life was perceived as significantly better, without a difference between groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions: About 8 weeks of inspiratory muscle training in patients with controlled asthma significantly increased inspiratory muscle strength and endurance.

Influence of Inspiratory Muscle Training of Various Intensities on the Physical Performance of Long-Distance Runners.

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) at different intensities on the pulmonary function and physiological adaptations of long-distance runners undergoing sports training. This study involved 25 long-distance runners. The subjects were randomly divided into three groups depending on the type of IMT applied: POWERbreathe device (group 1), Threshold IMT device (group 2), and a control group. The following lung variables were evaluated: vital capacity (VC), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow (PEF). Respiratory muscle strength was assessed by maximum inspiratory pressure (PImax) and maximum expiratory pressure (PEmax). Spiroergometric measures included: heart rate (HR), oxygen uptake (VO2max), carbon dioxide production (VCO2max), maximum ventilation (VE) and respiratory exchange rate (RER), which were measured breath by breath using a gas analyser (VYNTUS CPX). Group 1, which used the POWERbreathe device, showed significant increases in all assessed physiological and physical performance variables. In group 2, which used the Threshold device, only VO2max, VE and tRER ventilation were significantly increased to a similar level as that observed in group 1. In the control group, we only observed a significant reduction in saturation. The use of IMT with a higher intensity resulted in significant improvements in all tested variables of lung ventilation and respiratory muscle strength. Also, after training, lactate accumulation was significantly decreased. Physiological characteristics (VO2max/kg) and muscle respiratory strength variables were significantly improved in the group that used the POWERbreathe device after 8 weeks of training.

A randomized placebo-controlled study investigating the efficacy of inspiratory muscle training in the treatment of children with bronchial asthma

Objective To investigate the efficacy of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on respiratory functions, respiratory muscle strength, and asthma symptoms in asthmatic children. Methods In a randomized placebo-controlled assessor-blinded study, 34 children with asthma were randomized to receive either the IMT at 40% of the maximal inspiratory pressure (IPmax) for 20 min/session, thrice/week, over 12 consecutive weeks (IMT group; n = 17) or placebo IMT at 5% of IPmax (placebo group; n = 17). Additionally, both groups received the conventional respiratory rehabilitation (CRR) program. Outcome measurements performed pre- and post-treatment, included respiratory functions [forced expiratory volume at the first second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FEV), and FEV1/FVC], respiratory muscle strength [represented by IPmax and maximal expiratory pressure (EPmax), and asthma control test (ACT). Results At a significance level adjusted to P<.008, there were significant post-treatment differences between the IMT and placebo groups in FEV1 (P=.003), FVC (P=.001), FEV1/FVC (P=.004), IPmax (P=.002), EPmax (P=.004), and ACT (P=.001) adjusted to the pretreatment values, in favor of the IMT group. Conclusion Incorporation of IMT in the CRR program for children with asthma can improve respiratory function, enhance respiratory muscle strength, and improve children’s perception of asthma symptoms.

Diaphragmatic Response to Inspiratory versus Expiratory Training in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Abstract Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is characterized by air flow limitation and mucus hypersecreastion. Aim of Study: The present study was conducted to inves-tigate the efficacy of inspiratory muscle training versus expiratory muscle training on thickness fraction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Material and Methods: Forty patients (men) with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were included in this study, their age ranged from 40-50 years; they had Body Mass Index (BMI) ranged from 18.5-29.9 (kg/m2). Patients were selected from outpatient clinic Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, They were assigned randomly into two equal groups: Group Expiratory Muscle Training (EMT) which received expiratory muscle training by Positive Expiratory Pressure device (PEP) in addition to routine physiotherapy program according to department protocol in form of, percussion, vibration, shaking and postural drainage. Group Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT), whom received inspiratory muscle training by inspir-atory trainer in addition to the same physical therapy program that applied in group (EMT), both groups received treatment program 3 times/week for 12 weeks. The variable that used on this study is diaphragmatic thickness fraction measured by ultrasonography, was assessed before and after treatment program in both groups. Results: The results revealed that there was no-significant improvement in diaphragmatic thickness fraction in two groups after twelve successive weeks, also revealed no significant difference when compared the two groups after treatment. Conclusion: Within the limitation of the present study it could be concluded that EMT and IMT results in non-significant improvement in diaphragmatic thickness fraction.

Inspiratory Muscle Training: Improvement of Exercise Performance With Acute Hypoxic Exposure.

To determine whether chronic IMT improves submaximal-exercise performance with acute hypoxic exposure. A total of 14 endurance-trained men completed a 20-km cycling time trial (TT) in normobaric hypoxia (fraction of inspired oxygen [FiO2] = 0.16) before and after either 6 wk of an IMT protocol consisting of inspiratory loads equivalent to 80% of sustained maximal inspiratory pressure (n = 9) or a SHAM protocol (30% of sustained maximal inspiratory pressure; n = 5). In the IMT group, 20-km TT performance significantly improved by 1.45 (2.0%), P = .03, after the 6-wk intervention. The significantly faster TT times were accompanied by a higher average V˙E (pre vs post: 99.3 [14.5] vs 109.9 [18.0]L·min-1, P = .01) and absolute oxygen uptake (pre vs post: 3.39 [0.52] vs 3.60 [0.58]L·min-1, P = .010), with no change in ratings of perceived exertion or dyspnea (P > .06). There were no changes in TT performance in the SHAM group (P = .45). These data suggest that performing 6 wk of IMT may benefit hypoxic endurance exercise performance lasting 30-40min.

Inspiratory muscle training in severe spinal muscular atrophy: a case report

Background/Aims Inspiratory muscle training aims to preserve or improve respiratory muscle strength in children with neuromuscular diseases in order to prevent or minimise pulmonary morbidity. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of inspiratory muscle training on clinical outcomes and health-related quality of life in a child with advanced neuromuscular disease and severe pulmonary restriction. Methods A one patient pre-test post-test study design was implemented. General function, spirometry, peak expiratory cough flow and health-related quality of life were measured at baseline and after a 6-week inspiratory muscle training programme. Inspiratory muscle strength (maximal inspiratory mouth pressure and sniff nasal inspiratory pressure) was measured every 2 weeks. The patient used a tapered flow threshold inspiratory training device (POWERbreathe K3) at an intensity of ± 30% of maximal inspiratory mouth pressure twice a day, 5 days per week. Findings The non-ambulatory 10-year-old girl with type 2 spinal muscular atrophy initially had a forced vital capacity of 18% predicted and peak expiratory cough flow of 60 litres/minute. A substantial improvement was seen in inspiratory muscle strength between baseline and 4 weeks. Patient health-related quality of life improved and patient satisfaction was high, with a score of 9/10. The patient developed a lower respiratory tract infection towards the end of the inspiratory muscle training period. No other adverse events occurred. Conclusions Improved inspiratory muscle strength and health-related quality of life was associated with inspiratory muscle training in a child with advanced spinal muscular atrophy. Controlled clinical trials are recommended to determine the safety and efficacy of inspiratory muscle training in children with advanced spinal muscular atrophy and severe respiratory muscle weakness to inform clinical practice.

Effect of Inspiratory Muscle Training on Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure

AbstractBackground: The present study was applied on thirty patients with chronic heart failure to detect the efficacy of inspiratory muscle training on their quality of life.Aim of Study: The present study was conducted to inves-tigate the efficacy of inspiratory muscle training on quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure.Material and Methods: Thirty chronic heart failure patients were included in this study, their ages ranged from 50 to 60 years, they had Body mass index (BMI) ranged from 25-29.9 (kg/m2), they were selected from Tajora Heart Hospital in Libya and at the out-patient clinic, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University. They were divided randomly into two equal groups (A and B). Group (A) received selected physical therapy program about half an hour, while Group (B) received same physical therapy program that applied in the group (A) in addition to inspiratory muscle training using Inspiratory Muscle Trainer (IMT). The variables that used on this study, included Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ), dyspnea scale and ejection fraction, were assessed before and after treatment program in both groups. Both groups received treatment program 3 times/week for twelve weeks.Results: The results revealed significant improvement of all measured variables in two groups after twelve successive weeks, also revealed significant difference when compared the two groups after treatment in favor of the group B.Conclusion: Within the limitation of the present study it could be concluded that: The IMT results in marked improve-ment in Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ), dyspnea scale and ejection fraction.

Safety and efficacy of short- and long-term inspiratory muscle training in late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD): a pilot study.

In patients with late-onset Pompe disease, progressive respiratory muscle weakness with predominantly diaphragmatic involvement is a frequent finding at later stages of the disease. Respiratory muscle training (RMT) is an established therapy option for patients with several neuromuscular disorders including Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Forced voluntary muscle contractions of inspiration and/or expiration muscles enhance ventilation by increasing respiratory coordination, endurance, and strength. Efficacy of RMT in LOPD is rarely examined, and the clinical studies performed are difficult to compare because of different training programs and protocols. This impedes a useful statement and recommendation about the safety and efficacy of respiratory muscle training. We conducted a monocentric unblinded single-arm pilot study in patients with LOPD to evaluate the safety and efficacy of inspiratory muscle training (IMT). The primary objective was to determine the efficacy of a 6-week repetitive IMT with a gradual increase of inspiratory resistance, measured by MIP (maximum inspiratory pressure) in the upright position. For statistical analysis, we used an A-B-C singlesubject design. The 6-week training-period A was followed by a 6-week non-training period B and an optional training period of 40 weeks in period C. The total study duration for the periods A, B and C was 52 weeks. Throughout the study, spirometry assessments (FCV, FEV1) and measurements of respiratory strength (MIP, MEP) were performed at defined time points, as well as capillary oximetry and capnometry, motor function test and patient's questionnaires for quality of life and dyspnea, measured by St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and MMRC-Dyspnea scale. For the cross-sectional comparison, a paired two-sided t test, and for the longitudinal comparison, a two-sample, two-sided t test were used. When data were not normally distributed, a Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test was added. Finally, the annual decline in FVC and FEV1 before and after IMT was compared. 11 subjects were included in this pilot study. Overall, IMT was well tolerated. In four subjects, a total of six adverse events related to the study procedures were noticed. Training compliance was excellent in the first weeks of training, but declined continuously in the extension period. There was a significant increase in our primary outcome measure MIP within the 6-week period of frequent IMT with a mean of 15.7% (p =0.024; d =0.402). A significant increase was also seen after week 52 by a mean of + 26.4% (mean + 13.4 cmH2O, p =0.001, d =0.636). In the 6-week non-training interim-period (period B), the values remained stable, and there was no clinically meaningful decline in secondary outcome measures. The increase in MIP did not have any effect on secondary outcome measures like spirometry tests (FVC, FEV1), capillary blood gas analysis, motor function tests, patient's perceived quality of life or any significant change in dyspnea score. Frequent IMT improves MIP and thereby stabilizes and decelerates the decline of the diaphragm strength. The gradual increase of inspiratory resistance is well tolerated without any increase of side effects, as long as IMT is supervised and resistance is individually adjusted to the patient's perceived grade of exhaustion. Although we could not detect a significant impact on secondary outcome measures, IMT should be offered to all LOPD patients, especially to those who demonstrate a progressive decline in respiratory muscle function or are unable to receive ERT.

Safety and efficacy of inspiratory muscle training for preventing adverse outcomes in patients at risk of prolonged hospitalisation

BackgroundThe early institution of inspiratory muscle training on hospitalised patients with no established respiratory deficits could prevent in-hospital adverse outcomes that are directly or indirectly associated to the loss of respiratory muscle mass inherent to a prolonged hospital stay. The objective of the clinical trial is to assess the impact of inspiratory muscle training on hospital inpatient complications.MethodsThis is a double-blind randomised controlled trial. Subjects in the intervention group underwent an inspiratory muscle training loaded with 50% maximum inspiratory pressure twice daily for 4 weeks from study enrolment. Patients were randomly assigned to an inspiratory muscle training group or a sham inspiratory muscle training group. All patients received conventional physiotherapy interventions. Baseline and post-intervention respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, functionality (performance of activities of daily living), length of hospital stay, and death were evaluated. Clinical outcomes were assessed until hospital discharge. This study was approved by the Institutional Hospital Ethics Committee (03/2014).ResultsThirty-one patients assigned to the inspiratory muscle training group and 34 to the sham inspiratory muscle training group were analysed. Patients in the inspiratory muscle training group had a shorter mean length of hospital stay (35.3 ± 2.7 vs. 41.8 ± 3.5 days, p < 0.01) and a lower risk of endotracheal intubation (relative risk (RR) = 0.36; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.27–0.97; p = 0.03) as well as muscle weakness (RR = 0.36; 95% CI 0.19–0.98; p = 0.02) and mortality (RR = 0.23; 95% CI 0.2–0.94; p = 0.04). The risk of adverse events did not differ significantly between groups.ConclusionInspiratory muscle training was a protective factor against endotracheal intubation, muscle weakness, and mortality.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT02459444. Registered on 19 May 2015.

Efficacy of inspiratory muscle training as a practical and minimally intrusive technique to aid functional fitness among adults with obesity

ObjectiveTo examine the efficacy of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) as a non-intrusive and practical intervention to stimulate improved functional fitness in adults with obesity. As excess adiposity of the chest impedes the mechanics of breathing, targeted re-training of the inspiratory muscles may ameliorate sensations of breathlessness, improve physical performance and lead to greater engagement in physical activity. MethodsSixty seven adults (BMI=36±6.5) were randomized into either an experimental (EXP: n=35) or placebo (PLA: n=32) group with both groups undertaking a 4-week IMT intervention, comprising daily use of a inspiratory resistance device set to 55% (EXP), or 10% (PLA) of maximum inspiratory effort. ResultsInspiratory muscle strength was significantly improved in EXP (19.1 cmH20 gain; P<0.01) but did not change in PLA. Additionally, the post training walking distance covered was significantly extended for EXP (P<0.01), but not for PLA. Bivariate analysis demonstrated a positive association between the change (%) of performance in the walking test and BMI (r=0.78; P<0.01) for EXP. ConclusionThe findings from this study suggest IMT provides a practical, self-administered intervention for use in a home setting. This could be a useful strategy to improve the functional fitness of obese adults and perhaps lead to better preparedness for engagement in physical activity initiatives.