Respiratory Muscle Training for COPD Patients
The article explains how it is not only the diaphragm that helps to move air in and out of the lungs but the accessory muscles too that play an important role. It looks at how to train these muscles after investigating respiratory muscle weakness, respiratory muscle training, exercise physiology and training and then IMT (inspiratory muscle training) devices.
The outcomes show that present data suggest that “IMT does improve function in those with weak inspiratory muscles and that improved force translates to improved outcomes”.
It also assessed which patients are more likely to show a benefit from IMT, stating “for individuals with COPD, the most likely candidate is the individual who presents with inspiratory muscle weakness (PImax <60 cm H2O) who has been medically optimised for a training intervention."
To read the full article, including how to design a training program and summary of outcomes, one of which being how “IMT is not just for COPD patients, but for other patients who demonstrate respiratory muscle weakness such as those experiencing congestive heart failure and others with various muscle-specific issues”, then please go online to: RT For Decision Makers in Respiratory Care