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. 2012 Sep;23(3):29-36.

Inspiratory muscle training in patients with heart failure: a systematic review

Suh-Jen Lin  1 , Jessica McElfresh, Benjamin Hall, Rachel Bloom, Kellie Farrell
Affiliations

Inspiratory muscle training in patients with heart failure: a systematic review

Suh-Jen Lin et al. Cardiopulm Phys Ther J. 2012 Sep.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this review was to assess the quality of evidence on inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in patients with heart failure and to provide an overview on subject selection, training protocols, and outcome achieved with IMT.

Methods: Literature search was first performed via the PubMed database, and additional references were identified from the Scopus citation index. Articles of the review type and of clinical trials published in English were included. Quality of the articles was assessed using Sackett's levels of evidence and rigor of methodology was assessed using PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database) criteria for randomized controlled trials and the Downs & Black tool for cohort studies.

Results: Twelve articles of clinical trials were included. Typical training protocols involved daily training with intensity greater than 30% of maximal inspiratory pressure (PImax), duration of 20 to 30 minutes (continuous or incremental) and using a pressure threshold muscle trainer. The effect sizes of PImax, walk test distance, and dyspnea were moderate to large across these studies. Effects on quality of life scores were inconsistent.

Conclusion: Inspiratory muscle training is beneficial for improving respiratory muscle strength, functional capacity, and dyspnea in patients with stable heart failure and respiratory muscle weakness.

Keywords: heart failure; inspiratory muscle training; maximal inspiratory pressure.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Effect size of maximal inspiratory pressure.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Effect size of walk test distance.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Effect size of Vo2peak.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Effect size of dyspnea.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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