Time to Move Beyond a “One-Size Fits All” Approach to Inspiratory Muscle Training

Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been studied as a rehabilitation tool and ergogenic aid in clinical, athletic, and healthy populations. This technique aims to improve respiratory muscle strength and endurance, which has been seen to enhance respiratory pressure generation, respiratory muscle weakness, exercise capacity, and quality of life. However, the effects of IMT have been discrepant between populations, with some studies showing improvements with IMT and others not. This may be due to the use of standardized IMT protocols which are uniformly applied to all study participants without considering individual characteristics and training needs. As such, we suggest that research on IMT veer away from a standardized, one-size-fits-all intervention, and instead utilize specific IMT training protocols. In particular, a more personalized approach to an individual’s training prescription based upon goals, needs, and desired outcomes of the patient or athlete. In order for the coach or practitioner to adjust and personalize a given IMT prescription for an individual, factors, such as frequency, duration, and modality will be influenced, thus inevitably affecting overall training load and adaptations for a projected outcome. Therefore, by integrating specific methods based on optimization, periodization, and personalization, further studies may overcome previous discrepancies within IMT research.

Clinical responses following inspiratory muscle training in exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction

Purpose Exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO) is relatively common in young people. Treatment rests on poor evidence; however, inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been proposed a promising strategy. We aimed to assess laryngeal outcomes shortly after IMT, and to compare self-reported symptoms with a control group 4–6 years later. Methods Two groups were retrospectively identified from the EILO-register at Haukeland University Hospital, Norway; one group had received only information and breathing advice (IBA), and another additionally IMT (IBA + IMT). At diagnosis, all participants performed continuous laryngoscopy during exercise (CLE), with findings split by glottic and supraglottic scores, and completed a questionnaire mapping exercise-related symptoms. After 2–4 weeks, the IBA + IMT-group was re-evaluated with CLE-test. After 4–6 years, both groups were re-assessed with a questionnaire. Results We identified 116 eligible patients from the EILO-register. Response rates after 4–6 years were 23/58 (40%) and 32/58 (55%) in the IBA and IBA + IMT-group, respectively. At diagnosis, both groups rated symptoms similarly, but laryngeal scores were higher in the IBA + IMT-group (P = 0.003). After 2–4 weeks, 23/32 in the IBA + IMT-group reported symptom improvements, associated with a decrease of mainly glottic scores (1.7–0.3; P < 0.001), contrasting unchanged scores in the 9/32 without symptom improvements. After 4–6 years, exercise-related symptoms and activity levels had decreased to similar levels in both groups, with no added benefit from IMT; however, full symptom resolution was reported by only 8/55 participants. Conclusion Self-reported EILO symptoms had improved after 4–6 years, irrespective of initial treatment. Full symptom resolution was rare, suggesting individual follow-up should be offered.

Application of Inspiratory Muscle Training to Improve Physical Tolerance in Older Patients with Ischemic Heart Failure

Regardless of the management regime for heart failure (HF), there is strong evidence supporting the early implementation of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR). Respiratory therapy is considered to be an integral part of such secondary prevention protocols. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on exercise tolerance and the functional parameters of the respiratory system in patients with heart failure involved in cardiac rehabilitation. The study included 90 patients with HF who took part in the second-stage 8-week cycle of cardiac rehabilitation (CR). They were randomly divided into three groups: Group I underwent CR and IMT; Group II only CR; and patients in Group III underwent only the IMT. Before and after the 8-week cycle, participants were assessed for exercise tolerance and the functional parameters of respiratory muscle strength. Significant statistical improvement concerned the majority of the hemodynamic parameters, lung function parameters, and respiratory muscle strength in the first group. Moreover, the enhancement in the exercise tolerance in the CR + IMT group was accompanied by a negligible change in the HRpeak. The results confirm that the addition of IMT to the standard rehabilitation process of patients with heart failure can increase the therapeutic effect while influencing some of the parameters measured by exercise electrocardiography and respiratory function.

Effects and Usefulness of Inspiratory Muscle Training Load in Patients with Advanced Lung Cancer with Dyspnea

Background Patients with advanced lung cancer tend to develop dyspnea and the usefulness of non-drug therapy. On the contrary, inspiratory muscle training (IMT) exerts a relatively lower burden on patients; however, its usefulness has not been demonstrated. This study aimed to clarify the effects and usefulness of IMT in patients with advanced lung cancer with dyspnea. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 46 patients with advanced lung cancer hospitalized for medical treatment. The participants were categorized into the exercise therapy group, which served as control, and the IMT load + exercise therapy group, who performed IMT at a load of 30–40% of the maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) in addition to exercise therapy. Results No patient dropped out owing to IMT load. The MIP variations had a significant interaction between group and period and that those in the IMT load + exercise therapy group increased, with significant differences between baseline and week 1, between week 1 and week 2, as well as between baseline and week 2. The analysis also demonstrated that the variations of dyspnea at rest and on exertion had a significant interaction between group and period and that those in the IMT load + exercise therapy group decreased with significant differences between baseline and week 1 as well as between baseline and week 2. Conclusions This study revealed that IMT load significantly improved MIP and dyspnea in patients with advanced lung cancer. In addition, the persistence rate of IMT in these patients was high.

Inspiratory Muscle Training for Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Protocol Development and Feasibility of Home Practice by Sedentary Adults

Background: Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) may improve respiratory and cardiovascular functions in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and is a potential alternative or adjunct treatment to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). IMT protocols were originally designed for athletes, however, we found some OSA patients could not perform the exercise, so we aimed for a more OSA-friendly protocol. Our feasibility criteria included (1) participants successfully managing the technique at home; (2) participants completing daily practice sessions and recording data logs; and (3) capturing performance plateaus to determine an optimal length of the intervention.Methods: Five sedentary OSA patients participated in this feasibility study (three men, mean age = 61.6 years, SD = 10.2). Using a digital POWERbreathe K4 or K5 device, participants performed 30 daily inhalations against a resistance set at a percentage of maximum, recalculated weekly. Participants were willing to perform one but not two daily practice sessions. Intervention parameters from common IMT protocols were adapted according to ability and subjective feedback. Some were unable to perform the typically used 75% of maximum inspiratory resistance so we lowered the target to 65%. The technique required some practice; therefore, we introduced a practice week with a 50% target. After an initial 8 weeks, the intervention was open-ended and training continued until all participants demonstrated at least one plateau of inspiratory strength (2 weeks without strength gain). Weekly email and phone reminders ensured that participants completed all daily sessions and logged data in their online surveys. Weekly measures of inspiratory resistance, strength, volume, and flow were recorded.Results: Participants successfully completed the practice and subsequent 65% IMT resistance targets daily for 13 weeks. Inspiratory strength gains showed plateaus in all subjects by the end of 10 weeks of training, suggesting 12 weeks plus practice would be sufficient to achieve and capture maximum gains. Participants reported no adverse effects.Conclusion: We developed and tested a 13-week IMT protocol in a small group of sedentary, untreated OSA patients. Relative to other IMT protocols, we successfully implemented reduced performance requirements, a practice week, and an extended timeframe. This feasibility study provides the basis for a protocol for clinical trials on IMT in OSA.