AIMS To assess whether a domiciliary programme of specific inspiratory muscle training in stable chronic heart failure results in improvements in exercise tolerance or quality of life. METHODS AND RESULTS We conducted a randomized controlled trial of 8 weeks of inspiratory muscle training in 18 patients with stable chronic heart failure, using the Threshold trainer. Patients were randomized e...

[Purpose] This study investigated the effects of progressive load and fixed load high-intensity inspiratory muscle training on the asymmetry of diaphragm thickness in stroke patients. [Subjects] Twenty-one stroke patients were assigned to one of three groups: progressive load high-intensity inspiratory muscle training (n = 8), fixed load high-intensity inspiratory muscle training (n = 6), and c...

Decramer M. Response of the respiratory muscles to rehabilitation in COPD. J Appl Physiol 107: 971–976, 2009. First published April 2, 2009; doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.91459.2008.—Respiratory rehabilitation is known to improve outcomes in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The question addressed in the present review is whether these beneficial effects are related to impr...

BACKGROUND In patients who have been mechanically ventilated, inspiratory muscles remain weak and fatigable following ventilatory weaning, which may contribute to dyspnoea and limited functional recovery. Inspiratory muscle training may improve inspiratory muscle strength and endurance following weaning, potentially improving dyspnoea and quality of life in this patient group. METHODS We cond...

Respiratory rehabilitation is known to improve outcomes in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The question addressed in the present review is whether these beneficial effects are related to improvements in inspiratory muscle function. Respiratory muscle fatigue often did not occur during exercise in patients with COPD, since exercise limitation usually occurred when sig...

BACKGROUND Pulmonary and respiratory muscle function impairment are common in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Inspiratory muscle training may improve strength, dyspnea and functional capacity in healthy subjects and in those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This study investigated the effect of specific inspiratory muscle training (SIMT) on pulmonary functions, inspiratory mu...

BACKGROUND Aging results in a decline in the function of the respiratory muscles. Inspiratory muscle training is emerging as a possible intervention to attenuate the decline of respiratory muscles in the elderly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of inspiratory muscle training on respiratory strength, diaphragm thickness, and diaphragmatic mobility in elderly women. METHODS T...

OBJECTIVE To report the use of inspiratory muscle strength training to treat repeated ventilatory insufficiency in a child with nemaline myopathy who underwent cardiac and renal transplantation. DESIGN Case report. SETTING Pediatric intensive care unit of a tertiary care university teaching hospital. PATIENT A 16-yr-old female with nemaline myopathy affecting cardiorespiratory function, r...

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is associated with a functional weakness of the inspiratory muscles. Multiple factors contribute to the decline in functional strength including hyperinflation of the chest, deterioration in nutritional status, and the indirect effects of an exacerbation. The decreased inspiratory muscle strength contributes to sensations of dyspnea and places individuals a...

OBJECTIVE To compare the effects of inspiratory resistance training and isocapnic hyperpnoea vs incentive spirometry (placebo) on respiratory function, voice, thorax mobility and quality of life in individuals with tetraplegia. DESIGN Randomized controlled trial. PATIENTS/METHODS A total of 24 individuals with traumatic, complete tetraplegia (C5-C8, American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA)...