Feasibility of inspiratory muscle training for patients with persistent dyspnoea after COVID-19 infection: A pilot study

• DOI: 10.2340/jrmcc.v6.6507
• Publication Date: 2023-06-05T09:39:34Z
• Authors: Romain Collet; Maarten Van Egmond; Marike Van der Sc...; Mel Major
• Keywords: Dyspnea; Maximal Respiratory Pressures; Short Communication; R; COVID-19; Medicine; Physical Therapy Modalities; 3. Good health

This study investigates the feasibility of delivering inspiratory muscle training as part physical therapy treatment for patients with post-COVID dyspnoea.Mixed-methods pilot study.Patients complaints dyspnoea after COVID-19 infection and their therapists.The Amsterdam University Applied Sciences Medical Centers conducted this study. Participants performed daily at home 6 weeks, consisting 30 repetitions against a pre-set resistance. The primary outcome was assessed acceptability, safety, adherence patient- professional experience obtained through diaries semi-structured interviews. secondary maximal pressure.Sixteen participated. Nine 2 therapists partook in Two dropped out before initiating training. Adherence 73.7%, no adverse events occurred. Protocol deviations occurred 29.7% sessions. Maximal pressure changed from 84.7% predicted baseline to 111.3% follow-up. Qualitative analysis identified barriers training: 'Getting acquainted material' 'Finding right schedule'. Facilitators were: 'Support therapists' 'Experiencing improvements'.Delivering seems feasible. Patients valued simplicity intervention reported perceived improvements. However, should be carefully supervised, parameters adjusted individual needs capacity.