The effects of inspiratory muscle training for patients with pulmonary disease in outpatient rehabilitation

Background: The effects of inspiratory/respiratory muscle training are widely investigated. Positive effects in healthy humans are established (Hart N. et al. 2011). Beckerman et al. 2005 attested an increase of maximal inspiratory pressure (Pi max), distance of 6 minute walking test and Borg Scale data in COPD patients. The main objective of this study was to determine the optimal intensity and frequency of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in outpatient rehabilitation.

Methods: 42 patients were randomized in a training group (with IMT) and control group (no IMT). The patients started with a low load (20 – 30% of PiMax) which they increased during the 20 training sessions till they received a maximum of 70% of Pimax. They startet twice a week with 30 deep breathes supervised by a sport scientist followed by a training at home every other day. After 20 sessions the additional test was done. To figure out the long term compliance, we called the patients once a month after rehabilitation was finished.

Results: There was statistically high significant increase in PiMax (p < 0,001) and COPD assesment test (p = 0,001) in experimental but not in control group. 8 out of 10 patients continued training every other day.

Conclusions: The findings of this study show that the outcome of IMT every other day is positive in different parameters. The goal of the outpatient rehabilitation is to prepare the patients for the home routine training. Additional to endurance, weight and coordination training, IMT is recommended. We will do further investigation to find out the optimal intensity of each training session.