Effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training in Addition to Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Patients With COPD Exacerbation

Inspiratory muscle weakness, limited functional exercise capacity and worse quality of life have been shown in patients with exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Recommendations from clinical practice guideline state that promoting pulmonary rehabilitation after exacerbation can improve the conditions above. Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been proven to enhance inspiratory muscle strength and endurance in patient with stable COPD. However, there is less research on whether IMT in addition to pulmonary rehabilitation after exacerbation can benefit inspiratory muscle function, functional exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with COPD. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of IMT in addition to pulmonary rehabilitation on respiratory muscle function, functional exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.