Efficacy of respiratory muscle training in improving pulmonary function and survival in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons, resulting in muscle weakness, loss of function, and ultimately death due to respiratory failure. Due to the lethal prognosis of ALS, respiratory muscle training has been proposed as a potentially beneficial intervention.

Objectives: To systematically review the efficacy of respiratory muscle training on lung function and respiratory muscle strength in ALS patients.

Design: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Data sources and methods: Articles published in PubMed, PEDro, Scopus, and Web of Science databases up to July 2024. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 statement guideline was followed. Included studies had (1) ALS patients, (2) respiratory muscle training, (3) physical exercise, usual care or no intervention were provided as a comparison group, (4) assessments of lung function, respiratory muscle strength, quality of life, survival, fatigue, and functional capacity outcome measures, and (5) a randomized controlled trial design. Methodological quality was analyzed using the PEDro scale, and risk of bias with the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool. Meta-analyses were performed with Review Manager software.

Results: Five randomized controlled trials with 170 participants were included. The results showed that respiratory muscle training improved muscle strength, particularly maximum expiratory and inspiratory pressures. One study suggested inspiratory muscle training as a survival predictor in ALS patients. No significant effects were observed in forced vital capacity or quality of life. No adverse effects were reported.

Conclusion: Respiratory muscle training improves ventilatory function, particularly respiratory muscle strength, in people with ALS. While evidence is limited, it shows promise as an adjuvant therapy to enhance quality of life and survival. It has been registered in the PROSPERO (CRD42024568235).

Keywords: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; inspiratory muscle strength; neuromuscular disease; physiotherapy; rare disease; respiratory failure.

Figure 1.

Flow diagram of electronic database searches. Methodology of article selection. Source: Own elaboration. ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; RCT, randomized clinical trial; RMT, respiratory muscle training.

Figure 2.

Risk of bias assessment according to the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool.^,,,

Figure 3.

Meta-analysis based on the results of the MEP comparing RMT with CG.^,, CG, control groups; MEP, maximum expiratory pressure; RMT, respiratory muscle training.

Figure 4.

Meta-analysis based on the results of the MIP comparing RMT with CG.^,, CG, control groups; MIP, maximum inspiratory pressure; RMT, respiratory muscle training.

Figure 5.

Meta-analysis based on the results of the FVC comparing RMT with CG.^,,, CG, control groups; FVC, forced vital capacity; RMT, respiratory muscle training.