O6.3 Inspiratory Muscle Training

Inspiratory muscle training (IMT), performed in isolation using a threshold loading device or target-flow resistive device at loads equal to or greater than 30% of an individual’s maximum inspiratory pressure generated against an occluded airway (PImax) has been shown to produce short-term gains in inspiratory muscle strength and endurance, reduce dyspnoea, improve functional exercise capacity (6 or 12 minute walk distance) and confer small gains in Health-related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in patients with COPD (Ammous 2023) [evidence level I].  Although IMT used in isolation is beneficial, it does not appear to have any added benefits in terms of dyspnoea, functional exercise capacity or quality of life when combined with whole body exercise training in people with COPD (Ammous 2023) [evidence level I]. For this reason, IMT is not a replacement for whole body exercise training and is not recommended as a routine component of a pulmonary rehabilitation program (Spruit 2013).