Inspiratory muscle training in COPD patients.
OBJECTIVE
The 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 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) POPULATION: We 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.


RESULTS
Using 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 Questionnaire (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.


CONCLUSIONS
The 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.
Garcia
Susana
S
Fisioterapeuta da Unidade de Readaptação Funcional Respiratória do Hospital de Pulido Valente (HPV) / Physiotherapist, Respiratory Rehabilitation Unit, Hospital de Pulido Valente (HPV).
Rocha
Margarida
M
Pinto
Paula
P
M F Lopes
António
A
Bárbara
Cristina
C
D000368:Aged; D001945:Breathing Exercises; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000534:rehabilitation*