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2009

2009 Jun - The Role of Interval Inspiratory Muscle Training as an Added-on Modality in Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program in Local Chinese Patients: A Double-Blinded Randomized Sham-Controlled Trial

Dr Yeung Wai-tak, Alwin, Department of Medicine, Ruttonjee and Tang Shiu Kin Hospital

Background
Overseas studies showed that for patients with poor inspiratory muscle strength, adding inspiratory muscle training (IMT) to standard exercise training had extra benefits in lessening dyspnoea and improving functional capacity. Nonetheless, local data in this area is lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the short term effects of IMT as an added-on modality in conventional pulmonary rehabilitation program in local Chinese patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods
34 consecutive patients with COPD had been randomized to training group (group T, n=17) or to a control group (group C, n=17) in a double-blind fashion. 32 patients completed the study. Group T patients underwent IMT via inhaling through a resistive mouthpiece, attaining 80% of their maximal inspiratory pressure (Pimax) whereas group C patients were trained with negligible load. The training involved two ten-minute sessions per day, three days per week for six weeks. Both groups went through conventional pulmonary rehabilitation program. Respiratory muscle strength, dyspnea score, quality of life, exercise tolerance and maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max) were measured at the beginning and the end of the study period.

Results
Both groups showed significant improvements in Pi max, dyspnoea sensation and quality of life with respect to their baseline values. Comparing with the patients of group C, Group T patients had demonstrated significant additional improvement in Pimax and a trend towards additional improvement in dyspnoea sensation during their daily activities.

Conclusion
Inspiratory muscle training, when added to conventional pulmonary rehabilitation program, significantly increased the maximal inspiratory pressure.

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