Abstract
Background: Lung hyperinflation is one of the major pathological processes of COPD, which leads not only to respiratory failure, but also to the pathology of respiratory muscles. In addition, the systemic effect of COPD includes peripheral muscles weakness. Only medical therapy can not solve this problem.
Aim: To study the effect of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on lung hyperinflation in COPD patients.
Methods: 28 COPD severe patients were randomized in 2 groups. Group 1 (17 patients, mean age 62,5±7,2 years) received standard therapy (LAMA/LABA or ICS/LABA+LAMA) and true IMT with inspiratory muscle trainer POWERbreathe. Group 2 (11 patients, mean age 63,5±9,8 yearrs) - the same therapy and unload IMT. Pulmonary Function Testing, 6-min walking (6MW) test, measurement of maximal inspiratory static mouth pressure (PImax) and expiratory (PEmax) were evaluated at baseline and each 2 weeks at 3 months. Dyspnoea was assessed by Baseline Dyspnoea Index/Transitional Dyspnoea Index scale before and after 3 months.
Results: In group 1 there were significant improvements in lung function (?FEV1: +9,2±6,0 %pred. (p<0,01), ?TLC: -610,4±102,3 ml (p<0,001), ?FRC: -550,2±98,5 ml, ?RV: -690,6±112,8 ml (p<0,001)), exercise capacity (? 6MW distance (6MWD): +75,5±35,7 m (p<0,001)) and dyspnea (TDI +3,3 units). In group 2 there were significant improvements in exercise capacity (?6MWD: +16,8±7,6 m (p<0,05)) and dyspnea (TDI: +1,4 units (p<0,05)).
Conclusion: In COPD patients inspiratory muscle training significantly improves lung function, exercise capacity and dyspnoea.