Inspiratory Muscle Training Program Research Articles

Effect of Inspiratory Muscle Training on Cough Strength in Older People With Frailty: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on cough strength in older people with frailty. DesignSingle-blind randomized controlled trial. SettingDay health care centers at 2 sites. ParticipantsOlder people with frailty (N=60). InterventionsEligible people were randomly assigned to receive IMT program in addition to general exercise training (IMT group), or general exercise training alone (control group). The IMT group performed training using a threshold IMT device with the load set at 30% of maximum inspiratory mouth pressure in addition to the general exercise training program throughout the 8 weeks. The IMT took place twice a day and each session consisted of 30 breaths. Main Outcome MeasuresPrimary outcome was cough strength, measured as the cough peak flow (CPF), at the beginning and the end of the program. ResultsData from 52 participants (26 in each group) were available for the analysis. The mean age was 82.6 years; 33% were men. The change in CPF at the end of the program was 28.7±44.4 L/min in the IMT group and −7.4±26.6 L/min in the control group. A linear regression model showed that the presence or absence of IMT was associated with changes in CPF (mean difference between groups, 36.3; 95% confidence interval, 16.7-55.9; effect size, 0.99). ConclusionsIMT may be a useful intervention to improve cough strength in frail older people.

Unraveling the Mechanisms Behind Exercise Intolerance and Recovery in Long COVID

BackgroundPatients suffering from long COVID may exhibit autonomic dysregulation. However, the association between autonomic dysregulation and exercise intolerance and the impact of therapeutic interventions on its modulation remains unclear. This study investigated the relationship between heart rate recovery at the first minute (HRR1), a proxy for autonomic imbalance, and exercise intolerance in patients with long COVID. Additionally, the study aimed to assess the effects of a 12-week home-based inspiratory muscle training program on autonomic modulation in this patient population. MethodsThis study is a post hoc subanalysis of a randomized trial in which 26 patients with long COVID were randomly assigned to receive either a 12-week inspiratory muscle training program or usual care alone (NCT05279430). The data were analyzed using Pearson's correlation and linear mixed regression analysis. ResultsThe mean age was 50.4 ± 12.2 years, and 11 (42.3%) were women. Baseline HRR1 was significantly correlated with maximal functional capacity (peakVO2) (r = 0.402, P = .041). Patients with lower baseline HRR1 (≤22 bpm) exhibited higher resting heart rates and lower peakVO2. Inspiratory muscle training led to a more substantial increase in peakVO2 in patients with lower HRR1 at baseline (P = .019). Additionally, a significant improvement in HRR1 was observed in the IMT group compared to the usual care group after 12-week (Δ +9.39, 95% CI = 2.4-16.4, P = .010). ConclusionLower baseline HRR1 is associated with exercise intolerance in long COVID patients and may serve as a valuable criterion for identifying individuals likely to benefit more from a home-based inspiratory muscle training program.

Remote respiratory resistance exercise training improves respiratory function in individuals with VCP multisystem proteinopathy

Valosin-containing protein (VCP) disease is an autosomal dominant multisystem proteinopathy associated with hereditary inclusion body myopathy, Paget disease of bone, and frontotemporal dementia. Myopathy frequently results in respiratory muscle weakness, leading to early mortality due to respiratory failure. We investigated the effects of a remotely administered inspiratory muscle training program in individuals with VCP disease. Nine adults with VCP mutation-positive familial myopathy without evidence of dementia were recruited for a 40-week remotely administered study. Baseline performance was established during the first 8 weeks, followed by 32 weeks of inspiratory muscle training. The primary outcome was maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP). The secondary and exploratory endpoints included spirometry, grip strength, Inclusion Body Myopathy Functional Rating Scale (IBMFRS), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS), timed up and go, and six-minute walk test (6MWT). During the treatment phase, MIP increased significantly by a weekly mean of 0.392cm. H2O (p=0.023). In contrast, grip strength and ALSFRS significantly decreased by 0.088 lbs. (p=0.031) and 0.043 points (p=0.004) per week, respectively, as expected from the natural progression of this disease. A remotely administered inspiratory muscle training program is therefore feasible, safe, and well-tolerated in individuals with VCP disease and results in improved inspiratory muscle strength.

A Review of Effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training on Clinical and Functional Outcomes of Patients With Mechanical Ventilation

Objectives: This review aimed to explore inspiratory muscle training (IMT) use in patients with mechanical ventilation (MV). The topics were related to its effect on the duration of MV or weaning, respiratory symptoms or lung function, inspiratory muscle strength (IMS) or endurance, functional ability, and quality of life (QoL). Methods: Articles published in the last ten years were reviewed narratively to obtain data about how inspiratory muscle training (IMT) can affect breathing muscle strength in prolonged mechanically ventilated patients. Results: Eleven articles were relevant to the topic, including seven original articles and four systematic reviews. We also found one practical guide on IMT in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Discussion: Inspiratory muscle weakness is found in most intensive care unit (ICU) patients which further causes difficulty in weaning from MV. No standard protocol exists for the use of IMT in patients who failed to wean from MV. The use of IMT was found to be safe with the incidence of side effects or unexpected events was very rare. Several studies found various effects on the success of weaning after IMT administration, such as decreased MV and weaning duration or no effect on these parameters. Studies also found various effects on IMS or endurance although most investigators found increased IMS after IMT administration. These effects vary with exercise intensity and baseline maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP). The IMT program improves lung function thereby reducing symptoms, leading to improved functional abilities and QoL.improved functional abilities and quality of life (QoL).

The Effectiveness of Home-Based Inspiratory Muscle Training on Small Airway Function and Disease-Associated Symptoms in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by persistent airflow limitations, occurring mainly in the small airways. Weakness in the respiratory muscles contributes to dyspnea and a decreased exercise capacity in COPD patients. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of home-based inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on small airway function and symptoms in COPD patients. This research adopted a non-randomized controlled-study quasi-experimental design. The IMT program consisted of two 15 min sessions·d-1, 5 d·wk-1, with 40% of the maximal inspiratory pressure (PImax) on each participant's assessment results and lasted for 12 weeks. Small airway function was assessed using plethysmography at baseline and after 12 weeks. The modified British Medical Research Council (mMRC), COPD assessment test (CAT), PImax, and 6 min walking distance (6MWD) were recorded at baseline as well as four, eight, and twelve weeks. Twenty-three participants with at least moderate COPD were enrolled in IMT (n = 16) or in the control group (n = 7) in this study. The study participants were mostly male (82.6%), and the average age was 68.29 ± 10.87 years, with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 23.54 ± 4.79. After 12 weeks, the ratios of the first second of forced expiration to the forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC%) (B coefficient [95% Wald confidence interval] of 5.21 [0.46 to 9.96], p = 0.032), forced expiratory flow (FEF25-75%) (0.20 [0.04 to 0.35] L/s, p = 0.012), and FEF50% (0.26 [0.08 to 0.43] L/s, p = 0.004) in the IMT group were significantly better than in the control group. The IMT group showed significantly lower CAT scores at week 8 (-5.50 [-10.31 to -0.695] scores, p = 0.025) than the control group. The mMRC grade, CAT score, PImax, and 6MWD were significantly improved compared to their values at baseline in the IMT group. Home-based IMT effectively improved post-bronchodilator small airway function and disease-associated symptoms in COPD patients.

Effect of a home-based inspiratory muscle training program on functional capacity in post-discharged patients with long COVID: The InsCOVID trial

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Sociedad Española de Cardiología. Background Fatigue and exercise intolerance are the most common symptoms in patients with long COVID. Purpose This study aimed to evaluate whether a home-based inspiratory muscle training (IMT) program improves maximal functional capacity in patients long COVID after a previous admission due to SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. Methods This study was a single-centre, blinded assessor, randomised controlled trial. Twenty-six patients with long COVID and a previous admission due to SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia were randomly assigned to receive either a 12-week program of IMT or usual care alone. The physiotherapist and participants were not blinded. Patients allocated to the IMT arm were instructed to train at home twice daily using a threshold inspiratory muscle trainer and to maintain diaphragmatic breathing during the training session. The usual care arm received no intervention. The primary endpoint was changes in peak oxygen consumption (peakVO2). Secondary endpoints were changes in quality of life (QoL), ventilatory efficiency and chronotropic response during exercise (evaluated by chronotropic index-CIx- formula). We used linear mixed regression analysis for evaluating changes in primary and secondary endpoints. Results The median (interquartile range) age of the sample and time to first visit after discharge were 52 (42-59) years and 405 (301-435) days, respectively. A total of 11 (42.3%) were female. At baseline, the median of peakVO2, ventilatory efficiency and CIx were 17.4 (15.6-21.1) mL/kg/min, 29 (24.5-33.3), and 0.64 (0.54-0.87), respectively. The IMT arm improved their peakVO2 significantly compared to usual care (+Δ 4.46 mL/kg/min, 95% CI 3.10 to 5.81; p<0.001). Similar positive findings were found when evaluating changes for CIx and some QoL dimensions. We did not find significant changes in ventilatory efficiency. Conclusion In long COVID patients with a previous admission due to SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, IMT was associated with marked improvement in exercise capacity and QoL.

Heterogeneous Treatment Effects after Inspiratory Muscle Training during Recovery from Postacute COVID-19 Syndrome.

The objective of this study is to investigate whether heterogeneous treatment effects occur for changes in inspiratory muscle strength, perceived dyspnea, and health-related quality of life after 8 wk of unsupervised home-based inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in adults with postacute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) syndrome. In total, 147 adults with self-reported prior COVID-19 either completed an 8-wk home-based IMT intervention ( n = 111, 92 females, 48 ± 11 yr, 9.3 ± 3.6 months postacute COVID-19 infection) or acted as "usual care" wait list controls ( n = 36, 34 females, 49 ± 12 yr, 9.4 ± 3.2 months postacute COVID-19 infection). Applying a Bayesian framework, we found clear evidence of heterogeneity of treatment response for inspiratory muscle strength: the estimated difference between standard deviations (SD) of the IMT and control groups was 22.8 cm H 2 O (75% credible interval (CrI), 4.7-37.7) for changes in maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and 86.8 pressure time units (75% CrI, 55.7-116.7) for sustained MIP (SMIP). Conversely, there were minimal differences in the SD between the IMT and the control group for changes in perceived dyspnea and health-related quality of life, providing no evidence of heterogeneous treatment effects. Higher cumulative power during the IMT intervention was related to changes in MIP ( β = 10.9 cm H 2 O (95% CrI, 5.3-16.8) per 1 SD) and SMIP ( β = 63.7 (32.2-95.3) pressure time units per 1 SD), clearly indicating an IMT dose response for changes in inspiratory muscle strength. Older age (>50 yr), a longer time postacute COVID-19 (>3 months), and greater severity of dyspnea at baseline were also associated with smaller improvements in inspiratory muscle strength. Heterogeneous individual responses occurred after an 8-wk home-based IMT program in people with postacute COVID-19 syndrome. Consistent with standard exercise theory, larger improvements in inspiratory muscle strength are strongly related to a greater cumulative dose of IMT.

Does Inspiratory Muscle Training Affect Static Balance in Soccer Players? A Pilot Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) is effective in improving postural stability and balance in different clinical populations. However, there is no evidence of these effects in soccer players. A single-blind, two-arm (1:1), randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study on 14 soccer players was performed with the main aim of assessing the effect of IMT on static balance, and secondarily, of examining changes in the respiratory muscle function. The experimental group (EG) received an IMT program with progressive intensity, from 20% to 80%, of the maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP). The sham group (SG) performed the same program with a fixed load of 20% of the MIP. Static balance and respiratory muscle function variables were assessed. A two-factor analysis of variance for repeated measures was used to assess differences after training. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Significant increases were observed in the EG on length of sway under eyes open (from 2904.8 ± 640.0 to 3522.4 ± 509.0 mm, p = 0.012) and eyes closed (from 3166.2 ± 641.3 to 4173.3 ± 390.8 mm, p = 0.004). A significant increase in the maximal voluntary ventilation was observed for both groups (EG p = 0.005; SG p = 0.000). No significant differences existed between the groups. IMT did not improve the static balance in a sample of soccer players. Conducting a high-scale study is feasible and could refine the results and conclusions stemming from the current pilot study.

Effects of Inspiratory Muscles Trainer in Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program among COPD Patients

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with prolonged respiratory problems and compromised airflow. Eventually, routine activities become troublesome. Pulmonary rehabilitation program and specific training of inspiratory muscles can do management of such patients. Aim: To find out the effects of Inspiratory Muscle Trainer on dyspnea in moderate COPD patients during Pulmonary Rehabilitation in terms of improvement of pulmonary lung function and Multidimensional Dyspnea profile. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methodology: Two groups were designed; in one group Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program was applied in other group both PRP and IMT was given. Patients were recruited into two groups by simple random technique. Pre-treatment measurements were taken and then Sessions of 4 weeks with 5 days per week were given and post treatment assessment was done. Data was evaluated by using SPSS version 24. Independent sample t-test was applied to determine any significant difference between Pre-treatment and Post-treatment Functional pulmonary assessment between two groups. Results: Findings revealed that differences between two groups were statistically significant (p <0.05) and also statistically significant difference were observed within group analysis (p< 0.05) with respect to dyspnea , fatigue , quality of life. Practical Implication: This study considered moderate COPD patients for Inspiratory Muscle training (IMT) along with Multi-Disciplinary Approach in slowing down the worsening of disease and in this way prevented the future complications. Conclusion: It was concluded that inspiratory muscle trainer group was more effective as compare to standard rehabilitation in improving pulmonary function testing and reducing dyspnea among COPD patients. Keywords: Dyspnea, Inspiratory Muscle Training and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programme.

A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of the Inspiratory Muscle Training Program on level of Dyspnea among Heart Failure Patients Attending Cardiac Tertiary Care Centers, Maharashtra

Background of the study: Dyspnea is defined as an uncomfortable sensation in breathing, it is a cardinal symptom for cardiorespiratory diseases. As heart failure progresses, dyspnea becomes increasingly troublesome for these patients and frequently worsens their quality of life.Dyspnea is more closed associated with cardiac mortality rate than angina.1Inspiratory muscle weakness can occur in 30% to 50% of the heart failure patients, which is associated with the reduction in functional capacity and reduction in the quality of life and poor prognosis of these individuals. Inspiratory Muscle training is an effective therapeutic approach to reduce the dyspnea and muscle fatigue of heart failure patients, promoting their sense of independence and psychosocial health.2 Problem Statement: A study to assess the effectiveness of the inspiratory muscle training program on level of dyspnea among heart failure patients attending cardiac tertiary care centers, Maharashtra. Objectives: The outcome of this study was to assess the level of dyspnea and to assess the effectiveness of inspiratory muscle training on level of dyspnea among heart failure patients.Result: The study results showed that, before the level of dyspnea in experimental group was 36.94% with mean and standard deviation of 4.33±1.25, whereas the level of dyspnea in control group was 36.06% followed by 4.4 mean and ±1.25 standard deviation. Then the effectiveness of inspiratory muscle training was found using paired t-test, the calculated t value was 15.05 with the degree of freedom 29 which shows the significant difference in the pretest and posttest level of dyspnea. Conclusion: This study concluded that, the inspiratory muscle training program as an alternative approach, which was effective in reduction of level of dyspnea among heart failure patients

Effect of a home-based inspiratory muscle training programme on functional capacity in postdischarged patients with long COVID: the InsCOVID trial

BackgroundFatigue and exercise intolerance are the most common symptoms in patients with long COVID.AimsThis study aimed to evaluate whether a home-based inspiratory muscle training (IMT) programme improves maximal functional capacity...

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.

Treinamento muscular inspiratório na qualidade de vida e capacidade funcional na cardiotoxicidade: relato de caso

ABSTRACT Cancer patients develop frequent cardiac problems due to chemotherapy toxicity, which impacts functional capacity (FC) and quality of life (QoL). Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT) may be a viable therapeutic resource since cause-effect studies have shown improvement in FC and QoL in other populations. However, its effect was not evaluated in cardio-oncology patients. The study aimed to describe the effect of an IMT program on the FC and QoL of a patient with cardiotoxicity, LDM, aged 41 years, female and, sedentary that developed heart failure after chemotherapy. The QoL was evaluated by the Minnesota test. Dynamic Inspiratory Muscle Strength (S-Index) and Glycemic Threshold (GT) of the inspiratory muscles were also evaluated. The GT was determined by capillary glycemia with a digital glucometer (Accu-Chek - Roche), at the lowest value of glycemia of the load corresponding to the Incremental Inspiratory Muscle Test (IIMT). The load progression was performed every two weeks. After two months, all tests were reapplied. In the Minnesota test, the values related to FC, pre and post IMT, were 36 v. 8 (78% improvement); the clinical and psychological aspects 32 v. 7 (78% improvement); S-Index was 41 v. 51cmH2O (24% improvement). IMT improved the FC and QoL of a cardio-oncology patient, configuring itself as a possible and viable therapeutic resource for this population.

Effect of a home-based inspiratory muscular training programme on functional capacity in patients with chronic COVID-19 after a hospital discharge: protocol for a randomised control trial (InsCOVID trial)

IntroductionExercise intolerance and fatigue are the most common symptoms in patients with chronic COVID-19 after hospital discharge. Supervised exercise training programmes improve symptoms, but scarce research has been done on...

Effect of Inspiratory Muscle Training Program on Health Outcomes among Patients with Thoracic Surgery

Effect of Inspiratory Muscle Training Program on Health Outcomes among Patients with Thoracic Surgery

Effects of Cough Training and Inspiratory Muscle Training on Cough Strength in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

While the need for preventive strategies to reduce the incidence of aspiration pneumonia has been indicated, it is also important to investigate effective training methods to improve cough function, which is associated with the development of aspiration pneumonia. This study aimed to investigate whether a 4-week home-based unsupervised cough training (CT) or inspiratory muscle training (IMT) program was effective in improving cough strength in older adults. Fifty-three ambulatory older adults without airflow limitations were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a CT group (n = 18), an IMT group (n = 18), or a control group (n = 17). The CT and IMT groups performed home-based unsupervised training with a device for 4weeks. Cough strength (cough peak flow), forced vital capacity, and respiratory muscle strength were assessed at the 4-week and 16-week follow-up. Intention-to-treat analyses were performed to investigate differences between the three groups using linear mixed models. At the 4-week follow-up, the CT group showed significant increases in cough peak flow and forced vital capacity compared with the control group, while the IMT group showed significant increases in inspiratory muscle strength compared with the cough training and control groups. At the 16-week follow-up, the CT group showed a significant increase in cough peak flow compared with the IMT group. These preliminary results suggest that a 4-week home-based CT program may have short-term effectiveness in improving cough peak flow in ambulatory older adults. This trial was registered on UMIN-CTR on 01/05/2018 (UMIN000031656).

Inspiratory muscle training as adjuvant therapy in obstructive sleep apnea: a randomized controlled trial.

The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to analyze the effects of an inspiratory muscle training (IMT) program on apnea and hypopnea index (AHI), inspiratory muscle strength, sleep quality, and daytime sleepiness in individuals with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), whether or not they used continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP (+/−) therapy. The intervention group underwent IMT with a progressive resistive load of 40-70% of the maximum inspiratory pressure (PImax) for 30 breaths once a day for 12 weeks. The control group was submitted to a similar protocol, but with at a minimum load of 10 cmH2O. Changes in the AHI were the primary outcome. PImax was measured with a digital vacuometer, daytime somnolence was measured by the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), and the quality of sleep by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). CPAP use was treated as a confounder and controlled by stratification resulting in 4 subgroups: IMT−/CPAP−, IMT−/CPAP+, IMT+/CPAP−, and IMT+/CPAP+. Sixty-five individuals were included in the final analysis. Significant variations were found in the 4 parameters measured throughout the study after the intervention in both CPAP− and CPAP+ participants: PImax was increased and AHI was reduced, whereas improvements were seen in both ESS and PSQI. The twelve-week IMT program increased inspiratory muscle strength, substantially reduced AHI, and had a positive impact on sleep quality and daytime sleepiness, whether or not participants were using CPAP. Our findings reinforce the role of an IMT program as an adjunct resource in OSA treatment.

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.

Effects of specific inspiratory muscle training combined with whole-body endurance training program on balance in COPD patients: Randomized controlled trial.

PurposeThis study aims to assess the effect of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) combined with endurance training (ET) on balance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).MethodsWe studied 32 male patients (62 ± 6 years) with moderate to very severe COPD. They were randomly assigned to an experimental group (IMT+ET) n = 16 or a control group (ET) n = 16 with similar characteristics. The evaluations were carried out at inclusion and after eight weeks of the training period. Functional balance was assessed by the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Timed-up and Go (TUG), the Single Leg Stance test (SLS), and the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale. The strength of the inspiratory muscles (PImax) was assessed by maximal inspiratory mouth pressure. Functional exercise performance was assessed by the 6 minutes walking test (6MWT). IMT program consists in performing two daily sets of 30 inspirations with 50% of PImax increased by 10% every two weeks. ET program consists in performing 30 min treadmill exercise at 60% to 80% of the average speed achieved during the 6MWT three days per week.ResultsAfter the training period, the experimental group demonstrated greater improvements in BBS (IMT+ET vs. ET; p = 0.019), and in ABC (IMT+ET vs. ET; p = 0.014). However, no significant differences between groups were observed for TUG, SLS, and 6MWT. There was a significant difference between groups in PImax (IMT+ET vs. ET; p = 0.030). Significant moderate correlations were obtained between ΔPImax and ΔBBS for both groups (IMT+ET: r = 0.624, p = 0.010; ET r = 0.550, p = 0.027) as well as for ΔABC but only in the experimental group (IMT+ET: r = 0.550, p = 0.027).ConclusionCompared to ET alone, the results suggest that IMT combined with ET enhances inspiratory muscle function and functional balance according to BBS and ABC in patients with COPD. We suggest that inspiratory muscle training might be introduced as additional training to pulmonary rehabilitation programs aimed at improving balance in COPD patients.Trial registrationThe trial registry name: Clinical Trials; Registration number: NCT04084405; URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04084405.

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.