Authors: O’Connor C, Lawson R, Waterhouse J, Mills GH. 2019

This feasibility study assesses the acceptability of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who declined pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) as a potential treatment option or precursor to PR.

Objectives

• To assess attitudes to IMT, PR and alternatives to PR
• Factors influencing adherence with IMT
• Acceptability of outcome measures, research tools and study protocol

Intervention

Participants performed 8 weeks of IMT strength training using the POWERbreathe K3 device.

Discussion

POWERbreathe IMT was found to be acceptable. Fewer barriers to IMT were identified in comparison to PR in terms of Capability, Opportunity and Motivation. Participants were capable of learning the skills of IMT and, with the exception of one participant who dropped out with severe arthritis, physically capable of using the device. Participants had the physical and social opportunity to use IMT in terms of space and time.

Conclusions

This feasibility study of IMT in those who declined PR met its aims and was successful in showing that IMT could be easily implemented and IMT proved acceptable to participants.

Full paper

Is inspiratory muscle training (IMT) an acceptable treatment option for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who have declined pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) and can IMT enhance PR uptake? A single-group prepost feasibility study in a home-based setting >