Respiratory Muscle Training in Malnourished Patients Undergoing Abdominal Surgery

Effect of Respiratory Muscle Training in Malnourished Patients Undergoing Upper Abdominal Surgery

Malnutrition affects 50% of hospitalized patients around the world and causes changes in respiratory muscles predisposing the development of pulmonary complications probable, because of the ineffectiveness of cough. How the training of respiratory muscles can improve the effectiveness of cough, malnourished patients could benefit from this train however, the training of the muscles in malnourished patients has not been tested for safety or efficiency. So, the aim of this study is to assess the safety and efficiency of respiratory muscle training to improve the potency of cough in malnourished patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• hospitalized malnourished patients (BMI ≤ 20 Kg/m2, loss of body weight ≥ 10% unintentional, or serum albumin <3.5 g/dL)
• candidate to elective abdominal surgery
• ability to perform all evaluations and training

Exclusion Criteria:

• previous respiratory disease
• necessity of over than 48h of mechanical ventilation
• reoperation