Inspiratory muscle training: integrative review.
This article provides a critical review of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Although extensive research on IMT has accumulated, its benefits have been debated, primarily because of methodological limitations of studies. Using relevant key words, multiple databases were searched from 1966. Selected studies used PImax (maximal inspiratory pressure) as an outcome variable. Overall, research demonstrated that a standard protocol of 30% or higher for a duration of 20 to 30 minutes per day for 10 to 12 weeks improves dyspnea and inspiratory strength and endurance with either inspiratory resistive or inspiratory threshold training. Regardless of method, IMT protocols for people with COPD and inspiratory muscle weakness and dyspnea are generally safe, feasible, and effective. Patient selectivity and study of subgroups are recommended.
Padula
Cynthia A
CA
University of Rhode Island, College of Nursing, Kingston, RI 02881, USA. cpadula@cox.net
Yeaw
Evelyn
E
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D001945:Breathing Exercises; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005080:Exercise Test; D017079:Exercise Tolerance; D006801:Humans; D007320:Inspiratory Capacity; D008451:Maximal Voluntary Ventilation; D053580:Muscle Strength; D010807:Physical Endurance; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012107:Research Design / Q000592:standards; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012132:Respiratory Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology; D012449:Safety; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome