Effects of different modalities of inspiratory muscle training as an add-on to conventional treatment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

摘要

BackgroundChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) leads to peripheral and respiratory muscle dysfunctions. Nowadays, inspiratory muscle training can be geared toward strength or endurance gains. This study aims to investigate the effects of an inspiratory muscle training (IMT) protocol using different therapeutic modalities to be implemented in pulmonary rehabilitation programs. The effects of IMT on exercise capacity were considered as the primary endpoint, and the effects of IMT on inspiratory muscle function, health-related quality of life, and daily physical activity level were considered as the secondary outcomes.