The Effect of Inspiratory Muscle Training in Interstitial Lung Diseases

Rationale: Respiratory muscle weakness is known in intertstitial lung disease (ILD). There is a question about the inspiratory muscle training (IMT) effect on different functional parameters and quality of life in ILD and IPF. Aims: The aim of the study was to define the effect of IMT on different functional parameters and quality of life in ILD. Materials and Methods: 71 patients with ILD (FVC:57±21 %pred, age: 63±22 years, BMI: 26±6 kg/m2) participated in this study. Patients performed a complex pulmonary rehabilitation program with chest wall-stretching, controlled breathing techniques and training and personalized exercise training 2-3 times for 20-30 minutes per day by cycling and treadmill for 4 weeks and all of them used the IMT device 2x10 times per day. 6 minutes walking distance (6MWD), lung function (FVC), chest wall expansion (CWE), grip strength (GS), maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), breath holding time (BHT) and Quality of Life (QoL) by COPD Assessment Test and modified Medical Research Dyspnea Scale were measured. Results: Rehabilitation and IMT resulted in clinically significant improvement in 6MWD (332±116 vs. 374±113 m*, MIP: 70±29 vs. 85±21 H2Ocm*, BHT: 20±12 vs. 29±10 sec*, QoL: CAT: 19±7 vs. 13±7*, mMRC: 2.25±0.64 vs. 1.75±0,57*, *p<0.05) but FVC did not change significantly (FVC: 63±22 vs. 64±22%pred). Conclusion: Pulmonary rehabilitation with IMT together could improve not just exercise capacity and quality of life but the inspiratory muscle strength and BHT as well in ILD. Lung mechanics did not change significantly.