Effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training in Addition to Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Patients With COPD Exacerbation

Effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training in Addition to Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Patients With COPD Exacerbation

Inspiratory muscle weakness, limited functional exercise capacity and worse quality of life have been shown in patients with exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Recommendations from clinical practice guideline state that promoting pulmonary rehabilitation after exacerbation can improve the conditions above. Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been proven to enhance inspiratory muscle strength and endurance in patient with stable COPD. However, there is less research on whether IMT in addition to pulmonary rehabilitation after exacerbation can benefit inspiratory muscle function, functional exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with COPD. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of IMT in addition to pulmonary rehabilitation on respiratory muscle function, functional exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age > 20 years old
• diagnosed as exacerbation of COPD
• maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) < 80 cmH2O

Exclusion Criteria:

• any clinical diagnosis that will influence the measurement, including any history of neuromyopathy
• angina, acute myocardial infarction in the previous one month
• pregnancy
• participated in inspiratory muscle training program in the previous three months
• any psychiatric or cognitive disorders, for example: Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) < 24, that will disturb the communication and cooperation of the study