Inspiratory Muscle Training and Asthma

Inspiratory Muscle Training as a Novel Approach in the Treatment of Asthma

This is a pilot study which will assess the feasibility of a follow on main study. This study will examine the impact of inspiratory muscle training on quality of life, rescue drug medication usage, and other markers of asthma in adult asthmatics in the UK.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Asthma Control Questionnaire score of ≥ 1.5
• 10 mg or less of prednisolone (or equivalent) daily
• Aged 18 to 59 years inclusive
• Able to provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any significant heart or lung disease other than asthma including any previous history of pneumothorax
• Patients with a concomitant condition (including clinically relevant cardiovascular, hepatic, neurological, endocrine, or other major systemic disease) not controlled with treatment, making implementation of the protocol or interpretation of the study results difficult
• Women who are pregnant
• Forced expiratory volume in one second of less than 50% best or predicted
• A history of smoking 20 cigarettes a day for 20 years or more (or an equivalent amount)
• Undertaken a structured program of inspiratory muscle training within the past three months
• Currently a participant in another interventional study