Positive end-expiratory pressure attenuates hemodynamic effects induced by an overload of inspiratory muscles in patients with COPD.

Background: Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) using a Threshold device is commonly used to improve the strength and endurance of inspiratory muscles. However, the effect of IMT, alone or with positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), on hemodynamic parameters in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains unknown.

Objective: To assess the effects of an overload of inspiratory muscles using IMT fixed at 30% of the maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), and IMT associated with 5 cmHO of PEEP (IMT + PEEP), on the echocardiographic parameters in healthy subjects and patients with COPD.

Methods: Twenty patients with COPD (forced expiratory volume in 1 second 53.19±24.71 pred%) and 15 age-matched healthy volunteers were evaluated using spirometry, MIP, the COPD assessment test (CAT), and the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale. The E- (fast-filling phase) and A- (atrial contraction phase) waves were evaluated at the tricuspid and mitral valves during inspiration and expiration in the following sequence: at basal conditions, using IMT, and using IMT + PEEP.

Results: Patients with COPD had reduced MIPs versus the control group. Ten patients had CAT scores <10 and 12 patients had mMRC scores <2. E-wave values at the mitral valve were significantly decreased with IMT during the inspiratory phase in both groups. These effects were normalized with IMT + PEEP. During the expiratory phase, use of IMT + PEEP normalized the reduction in E-wave values in the COPD group. During inspiration at the tricuspid valve, reduction in E-wave values during IMT was normalized by IMT + PEEP in COPD group. During the expiratory phase, the value of the E-waves was significantly reduced with overload of the inspiratory muscles in both groups, and these effects were normalized with IMT + PEEP. A-waves did not change under any conditions.

Conclusion: Acute hemodynamic effects induced by overloading of the inspiratory muscles were attenuated and/or reversed by the addition of PEEP in COPD patients.