The effects of 1 year of specific inspiratory muscle training in patients with COPD.

Aim: We assessed the long-term benefits of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on inspiratory muscle strength, exercise capacity, the perception of dyspnea, quality of life, primary care use, and hospitalizations in patients with significant COPD.

Patients: Forty-two consecutive COPD patients with FEV(1) < 50% of predicted were randomized into a group that received IMT for 1 year, and a control group that received training with a very low load.

Results: There was a statistically significant increase in inspiratory muscle strength (at the end of the third month of training) as assessed by maximal inspiratory pressure (from 71 +/- 4.

Inspiratory muscle training may increase peak inspiratory flow in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Background: When choosing a specific inhalation device for a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patient, the internal airflow resistance and the ability of the patient to overcome it and to create an optimal inspiratory flow are essential.

Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to investigate: (1) the peak inspiratory flow (PIF) that a patient with COPD can generate while breathing through two dry powder inhalers and (2) whether in patients with low PIF specific inspiratory muscle training (SIMT) will increase the PIF and exceed the minimal PIF that is considered necessary to guarantee optimal lung deposition of the drug.

Methods: Inspiratory muscle strength and PIFs were measured in 60 patients with COPD.

Comparison of specific expiratory, inspiratory, and combined muscle training programs in COPD.

Background: Respiratory muscle weakness may contribute to dyspnea and exercise limitation in patients with significant COPD. In an attempt to reduce the severity of breathlessness and to improve exercise tolerance, inspiratory muscle training has been applied in many COPD patients. On the other hand, there is a paucity of data related to expiratory muscle performance and training in COPD.

Specific expiratory muscle training in COPD.

Background: There are several reports showing that expiratory muscle strength and endurance can be impaired in patients with COPD. This muscle weakness may have clinically relevant implications. Expiratory muscle training tended to improve cough and to reduce the sensation of respiratory effort during exercise in patients other than those with COPD.