Effects of inspiratory muscle training in advanced multiple sclerosis

Benefits of inspiratory muscle training therapy in institutionalized adult people with cerebral palsy: A double-blind randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Respiratory health problems are one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in adult people with cerebral palsy (CP). The influence of respiratory muscle training has not yet been studied in this population group. The objective of the study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of two protocols with inspiratory muscle training (IMT), low intensity and high intensity, to improve respiratory strength and pulmonary function in adults with CP.

METHODS

The study was a controlled, randomized, double-blind trial with allocation concealment. Twenty-seven institutionalized CP patients were recruited and randomly distributed in the high-intensity training group (HIT) or low-intensity training group (LIT). Over 8 weeks, an IMT protocol was followed 5 days/week, 10 series of 1 min with 1 min rest between them. HIT trained with a load of 40% of the maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and LIT with 20%. Respiratory strength and pulmonary function were evaluated.

RESULTS

After IMT intervention, MIP, maximum expiratory pressure, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow increased in both groups; in HIT 29%, 19%, 13%, and 8%, respectively (p = 0.000, p = 0.000, p = 0.002, p = 0.001) and in LIT 17%, 7%, 3%, and 4%, respectively (p = 0.000, p = 0.000, p = 0.049, p = 0.113). All the improvements were significantly higher in HIT than in LIT.

CONCLUSION

Inspiratory muscle training improved respiratory muscle strength and pulmonary function in adults with CP. Training with a 40% MIP load improved all the evaluated parameters and was the most effective treatment for adults with CP.

Cancer survivor inspiratory muscle training: systematic review and Bayesian meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The long-term impact of cancer treatment is associated with respiratory dysfunction and physical fitness impairment. Although inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been shown as an effective exercise therapy in cancer survivors, there is no evidence on the optimal dose, application moment nor specific population effects of this intervention. The main objective of this meta-analysis is to analyse the effects of IMT on pulmonary function, physical fitness and quality of life (QoL) in cancer survivors.

METHODS

This systematic review and meta-analysis was preregistered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) register and conducted according to the Preferred Reporting for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis statement. We used a Bayesian multilevel random-effects meta-analysis model to pool the data. Multilevel metaregression models were used to examine the conditional effects of our covariates. Convergence and model fit were evaluated through specific model parameters. Sensitivity analyses removing influential cases and using a frequentist approach were carried out.

RESULTS

Pooled data showed that IMT intervention is effective to improve pulmonary function (standardised mean difference=0.53, 95% credible interval 0.13 to 0.94, SE=0.19). However, IMT did not present statistically significant results on physical fitness and QoL. Metaregression analyses found that the type of cancer, the moment of application and the evaluation tool used had significant moderation effects on pulmonary function.

CONCLUSION

IMT could be an important part in the management of side effects suffered by cancer survivors. Considering the current evidence, this intervention is highly recommended in patients diagnosed with oesophageal and lung cancers. IMT may provide superior benefits before the biological treatment and after the surgery.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

304909.

Respiratory issues in patients with multiple sclerosis as a risk factor during SARS-CoV-2 infection: a potential role for exercise

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is associated with cytokine storm and is characterized by acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and pneumonia problems. The respiratory system is a place of inappropriate activation of the immune system in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), and this may cause damage to the lung and worsen both MS and infections.The concerns for patients with multiple sclerosis are because of an enhance risk of infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The MS patients pose challenges in this pandemic situation, because of the regulatory defect of autoreactivity of the immune system and neurological and respiratory tract symptoms. In this review, we first indicate respiratory issues associated with both diseases. Then, the main mechanisms inducing lung damages and also impairing the respiratory muscles in individuals with both diseases is discussed. At the end, the leading role of physical exercise on mitigating respiratory issues inducing mechanisms is meticulously evaluated.

Effect of eight weeks respiratory muscle training on respiratory capacity, functional capacity and quality of life on subjects with mild to moderate relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: A single-blinded randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the nervous system leading to muscle weakness, including the respiratory muscles that cause pulmonary complications, impair functional capacity, increased fatigue, and as a result decreases the quality of life.

AIM

The purpose of the present study is to examine the influence of 8 weeks of respiratory muscle training (RMT) on pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength in MS patients.

METHODS

The present study was a single-blind, randomized controlled trial that was conducted on 36 (27 Female, 9 Male) relapsing-remitting MS patients who were definitively diagnosed by a neurologist and randomly were divided into intervention and control groups. Both groups were educated on lifestyle modification with an emphasis on regular physical activity. In addition, the intervention group was prescribed eight weeks of respiratory muscle training with a threshold resistance device, daily, twice a day for three sets of 15 repetitions per set. Maximal expiratory pressure (PImax), maximal expiratory pressure (PEmax), spirometric indices, functional tests (six-minute walk test, timed up and go test), fatigue questionnaire, and questionnaire of quality of life were assessed before and after trials.

RESULTS

A total of 36 patients (75% female; mean age 38.00(8.86) years; BMI 26.56(2.64) kg/m²) were included in the study. The strength of inspiratory and expiratory muscles, respiratory function, fatigue, and quality of life were significantly improved in the intervention group (p<0.005). In addition, there was a significant improvement in the rate of fatigue and quality of life in all their dimensions (p<0.005). Only in the six-minute walk test, no significant improvement was seen in the intervention group compared to the control group (p = 0.262).

CONCLUSION

Findings could help therapists to provide MS patients with more effective respiratory muscle training protocols to maximize the benefits of rehabilitation.

POWERbreathe® Inspiratory Muscle Training in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Inspiratory muscle training may benefit respiratory function, cardiocirculatory parameters, quality of life and functionality in neuromuscular diseases. This pilot study aimed to demonstrate the POWERbreathe® inspiratory muscle training effects on maximum inspiratory pressure (PImax), heart rate (HR) and HR variability, as well as the quality of life impairment and functionality in patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). A pilot single-blinded, non-randomized controlled clinical trial was carried out. A total of 20T ALS patients were enrolled and divided into experimental (n = 10) and control (n = 10) groups. The experimental group received POWERbreathe® inspiratory muscle training in conjunction with usual care, and the control group received only usual care for 8 weeks. PImax (measured by POWERbreathe® KH1), HR and HR variability (evaluated by Polar H7), quality of life impairment [measured by the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Assessment Questionnaire—40 items (ALSAQ-40)] and functionality [assessed by the ALS Functional Rating Scale Revised (ALSFRS-R)] were collected at baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention. We detected statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) with an effect size ranging from medium to large (Cohen’s d = 0.72−1.37); relative to the control group, the experimental group had an increased PImax (mean difference = 10.80 cm H2O; 95% CI = 3.42−18.17) and ALSFRS-R score (mean difference = 5.30 points; 95% CI = −0.03−10.63) and reduced HR (mean difference = −8.80 beats-per-minute; 95% CI = −20.27−2.67) and R-R interval (mean difference = 78.30 ms; 95% CI = 2.89−153.70). POWERbreathe® inspiratory muscle training, in addition to usual care, may improve inspiratory strength and heart rate in patients with ALS. These results encourage larger and longer trials investigating potential clinically relevant benefits of inspiratory muscle training to these patients over the disease course.

Effects of Respiratory Muscle Strength Training on Respiratory-Related Impairments of Parkinson's Disease

In addition to typical motor dysfunction, Parkinson's disease is also characterized by respiratory-related dysfunction. As a means of rehabilitation, respiratory muscle strength training (RMST) has been applied to restore Parkinson's disease (PD) functions. However, the current clinical value of RMST in the application for PD has not been widely established. This article aims to review the research progress of the application of RMST in PD rehabilitation to provide new sight into respiratory-related impairments management in people with PD.

Predictors of positive outcomes following resistive inspiratory muscle training in non-ambulatory persons with advanced multiple sclerosis

Background

Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) using a threshold device improves inspiratory muscle strength. What factors influence the IMT outcome has not been examined.

Objective

To identify predictors of the positive outcome following IMT in persons with advanced multiple sclerosis (PwAMS).

Methods

Inclusion criteria were non-ambulatory PwAMS, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) ≥6.5, age >18 years, no acute medical conditions, current non-smokers, and ability to consent. Participants (n = 38) performed daily inspiratory exercises using a resistive threshold device for 10 weeks. Baseline measurements included age, sex, body mass index, year post multiple sclerosis diagnosis, comorbidities, EDSS, Modified Fatigue Impact Scale-5, and oral Symbol Digit Modality Test. The percentage of completed prescribed exercise trials (Trials%) during the 10-week intervention was calculated. Age- and sex-adjusted predicted values of maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP%pred) and maximum expiratory pressure (MEP%pred) were obtained before and after the 10-week intervention. Backward multivariable regression analyses for the primary outcome (MIP%pred) were conducted.

Results

After controlling for the initial MIP%pred, perceived fatigue at the baseline and Trial% were significant and independent predictors of MIP%pred after IMT.

Conclusion

Less fatigue at the baseline and higher adherence to the prescribed exercise repetitions were positive predictors of the positive outcome following IMT in PwAMS.

Effect of inspiratory muscle training on respiratory muscle strength and functional capacity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is usually associated with respiratory manifestations including inspiratory muscle weakness which affects exercise capacity. The present study aimed to determine the effect of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on inspiratory muscle strength and exercise capacity in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

This was a randomized controlled trial in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with no previous cardiopulmonary or neuromuscular diseases. Patients had no back pain. Patients were randomized into interventional or placebo groups. Sniff nasal inspiratory pressure (SNIP), maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), and six-minute walking test (6MWT) were measured at baseline and 8 weeks post incremental inspiratory muscle training.

RESULTS

At baseline, interventional and placebo groups were similar in age, body mass index, sex inspiratory muscle strength, and exercise capacity. After 8 weeks of incremental inspiratory muscle training at 40% of MIP, the interventional group had a significant increase in the SNIP (mean difference: 18.5 ± 5.30 cm H2O vs 2.8 ± 4.8 cm H2O) and MIP (mean difference: 19.4 ± 4.3 Vs 5.4 ± 3.6 cm H2O) compared to the placebo group, respectively. The interventional group showed improvement in the 6MWT (mean difference: 70 ± 29 m vs 34 ± 24 m) compared to the placebo group, P < .05.

CONCLUSION

Incremental inspiratory muscle training increased the diaphragm strength in patients with T2DM and improved exercise capacity.

Effects of 12-week inspiratory muscle training with low resistance in patients with multiple sclerosis: A non-randomised, double-blind, controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) have respiratory limitations like fatigue or muscle weakness. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a low-intensity protocol with inspiratory muscle training (IMT) to improve respiratory strength, spirometric parameters and dyspnea in patients with MS.

METHODS

This study was a controlled, non-randomised, double-blind trial on 67 patients with MS distributed in 2 groups, intervention group (IG) (n = 36) and respiratory exercise group (REG) (n = 31). Over 12 weeks, 5 days/week, 15 min/day all subjects followed a respiratory training program. IG trained with IMT with low resistance (20% maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) during the first two weeks, 30% MIP after the second week). REG followed a program involving nasal breathing and maximum exhalation. Main outcome measured was inspiratory strength (MIP); secondary outcomes were maximum expiratory pressure (MEP), spirometry, dyspnea and health-related quality of life.

RESULTS

After respiratory training, the intervention group improved MIP, MEP, MVV, peak expiratory flow (PEF), tidal volume (TV) and dyspnea, 51%, 36%, 21%,11%, 51% and 19% respectively (p < .001, p < .001, p < .001, p < .05, p < .05, p < .05). The control group improved MIP, MEP, MVV and PEF, 24%, 27%, 28% and 12% respectively (p < .001, p < .001, p < .001, p < .05). Improvements achieved on MIP and dyspnea were significantly higher in IG patients (p=.002, p=.046, respectively).

CONCLUSION

12-week inspiratory muscle training with low resistance was more effective than conventional respiratory exercises to improve respiratory strength, spirometric parameters and dyspnea in patients with multiple sclerosis.