Abstract
Background: as a method of therapeutic approaches to respiratory muscles we found in the literature the inspiratory muscle training (IMT) and respiratory exercises (RE). Even the RE is a method well used in the clinical practice, it is necessary scientific evidence, especially regarding the difference that could be observed when compared the RE to IMT. Aims: to compare the effects of IMT and RE added to physical training (PT) as to gain strength and endurance of the inspiratory muscles, thoracoabdominal mobility and dyspnea in COPD patients. Methods: 25 patients completed the study: 13 (67.5 ±12.8 years; FEV1, 46.9±18.5 % predictive) composed IMT group (GPT+IMT) and 12 (mean ± SD age, 66±7.6 years; FEV1, 36.1±9.7% predictive) RE group (GPT+RE). Patients were assessed before and after 48 sessions of training; spirometry; measures of maximum inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory pressure (MEP), inspiratory muscle endurance test in which it was determined the sustained maximum inspiratory pressure (SMIP) and the limit time (Tlim), cirtometry and reported the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC). Results: both groups showed significant increased (p<0.05) strength and endurance of the inspiratory muscles, thoracoabdominal mobility. The GPT+IMT showed higher increase of MIP, SMIP, abdominal mobility values and decreased in the mMRC score. Conclusion: both interventions showed gain strength and endurance of the inspiratory muscles and thoracoabdominal mobility. Although, only the GPT+IMT showed clinically rise in the inspiratory muscle strength and endurance due to specificity of training, which caused larger fall of dyspnea.
- © 2013 ERS