Inspiratory muscle training: integrative review
PainSci summary of Padula 2006?This page is one of thousands in the PainScience.com bibliography. It is not a general article: it is focused on a single scientific paper, and it may provide only just enough context for the summary to make sense. Links to other papers and more general information are provided at the bottom of the page, as often as possible. ★★★☆☆?3-star ratings are for typical studies with no more (or less) than the usual common problems. Ratings are a highly subjective opinion, and subject to revision at any time. If you think this paper has been incorrectly rated, please let me know.
This review of the evidence indicates that exercising your breathing musculature probably works pretty darned well, and benefits take about “20 to 30 minutes per day for 10 to 12 weeks” to achieve. Better yet, the evidence also shows that it’s reasonable to expect some benefits “regardless of method”! In other words, there’s no great concern about which technique to use. Common protocols for respiratory training “are generally safe, feasible, and effective.”
original abstract
This article provides a critical review of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Although extensive research on IMT has accumulated, its benefits have been debated, primarily because of methodological limitations of studies. Using relevant key words, multiple databases were searched from 1966. Selected studies used PImax (maximal inspiratory pressure) as an outcome variable. Overall, research demonstrated that a standard protocol of 30% or higher for a duration of 20 to 30 minutes per day for 10 to 12 weeks improves dyspnea and inspiratory strength and endurance with either inspiratory resistive or inspiratory threshold training. Regardless of method, IMT protocols for people with COPD and inspiratory muscle weakness and dyspnea are generally safe, feasible, and effective. Patient selectivity and study of subgroups are recommended.
related content
- “Effects of High-Intensity Inspiratory Muscle Training Following a Near-Fatal Gunshot Wound,” an article in Physical Therapy, 2011.
- “Effect of Inspiratory Muscle Training Intensities on Pulmonary Function and Work Capacity in People Who Are Healthy: A Randomized Controlled Trial,” an article in Physical Therapy, 2011.
These four articles on PainScience.com cite Padula 2006 as a source:
- PS The Art of Bioenergetic Breathing — A potent tool for personal growth and transformation
- PS The Respiration Connection — How dysfunctional breathing might be a root cause of a variety of common upper body pain problems and injuries
- PS When To Worry About Shortness of Breath … and When Not To — Three minor causes of a scary symptom that might be treatable
- PS Neck Pain, Submerged! — The story of my curious experiment with dunking severe chronic neck pain
