COPD is one of the most life-threatening pulmonary diseases. According to the World Health Organization, it is expected to rise to the third leading cause of death by 2030. Smoking is the most significant contributing factor. COPD reduces lung volumes and causes dyspnea. Over time, respiratory muscle weakness develops, leading to hypercapnia, dyspnea, nocturnal oxygen desaturation, and decreased exercise performance. Pulmonary rehabilitation is the most important component of COPD treatment. Respiratory muscle training should be a mandatory component of the pulmonary rehabilitation program. Combining inspiratory muscle training with functional exercises allows the focus to be on respiratory muscle functions beyond the task of breathing. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Functional Inspiratory Muscle Training on the course of the disease.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory disease with high mortality and morbidity, although it is preventable and treatable. Environmental and genetic factors, primarily smoking, play a role in the development of the disease. The most common symptom in COPD is dyspnea, which is associated with respiratory muscle dysfunction, hyperinflation, and exercise intolerance. Pulmonary rehabilitation, especially exercise training and respiratory muscle training, is a fundamental component of COPD management. Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) aims to improve dyspnea, exercise capacity, and quality of life by increasing respiratory muscle strength and endurance. In recent years, Functional Inspiratory Muscle Training (F-IMT) has been developed, focusing on the role of respiratory muscles in postural control and trunk stabilization. However, studies on the effects of F-IMT in individuals with COPD are limited. The aim of our study was to compare the early-term effects of basic IMT and F-IMT on the disease course in individuals with COPD. In this study, we aim to learn which training is more beneficial for individuals with COPD. Scope: This is a prospective experimental study. The study will be conducted on total 51 individuals who meet the inclusion criteria. The study population will consist of patients admitted to Yalova Training and Research Hospital. Inclusion Criteria: Diagnosed with COPD according to GOLD criteria Not having had an acute exacerbation within the last month Ability to walk independently No communication problems Voluntariness to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: Being in a COPD exacerbation Presence of orthopedic or neurological disease that may interfere with assessment and treatment Presence of uncontrolled hypertension and heart disease Method: The minimum sample size for the study was calculated using the GPower 3.1 program, taking into account the literature, using a 95% confidence interval, 80% power, and an effect size of 0.4823177. Accordingly, the minimum sample size for the study was calculated as 45. Considering the possibility of participant withdrawal, an additional 10% of participants will be recruited. Therefore, the study is planned to include total 51 participants. Participants will be included in the study through invitation and announcement. The study will be conducted with individuals who meet the inclusion criteria. Participants will be divided into three groups: the basic IMT group, the F-IMT group, and the control group, each containing 17 participants. Data Collection Tools: Demographic Information, Cognitive Performance: It will be measured using the Standardized Mini Mental Test (SMMT), Dyspnea Assessment (Modified Medical Research Council -mMRC), COPD Assessment Test (CAT), Respiratory Function Test: Measurements are taken with a portable spirometer (Cosmed Pony FX, Cosmed, Rome, Italy) while the patient is in a sitting position, Respiratory Muscle Strength Measurement: Maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure measurements (MIP-MEP) will be taken, Exercise Capacity Assessment (Six-Minute Walk Test - 6MWT), Peripheral Muscle Strength Measurement: Participants' knee extension and grip strength will be assessed. A hand-held dynamometer (Lafayette Manual Muscle Testing System; Lafayette Instrument Company, Lafayette, Indiana, USA) will be used for knee extension strength, and a Baseline BIMS Digital 5-Position Grip Dynamometer (Baseline Evaluation Instruments, USA) will be used for grip strength, Balance Assessment (Berg Balance Scale-BBS): The BBS is used to assess dynamic balance performance, Core Muscle Assessment: The PRONE test will be performed using the Stabilizer™ (Chattanooga Group Inc., Chattanooga, TN) device, Lower Extremity Endurance Assessment (5-Time Sit-to-Stand Test), Depression Assessment (Beck Depression Inventory - BDI), Assessment of Activities of Daily Living (London Chest Activities of Daily Living Scale - LCADL), Quality of Life Assessment (St. George Respiratory Questionnaire-SGRQ), Fatigue Assessment (COPD and Asthma Fatigue Scale), Physical Activity Level Assessment (International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form - UFAA-SF). Group Training Programs: Participants will be randomized into three groups: basic IMT, functional IMT (F-IMT), and a control group. This randomization will be conducted through randomizer.org, an open-access randomization website. Participants in both groups will be assessed at the initial meeting and provided with an informed consent form. After completing the initial assessment, they will be informed about the device (in use) and the treatment process. Both groups will receive 8 weeks of treatment. IMT will be applied with a threshold pressure loading device (POWERbreathe Classic Light Resistance, PowerBreath, IMT Technologies Ltd, Birmingham, UK). Patients in both groups will receive training at 40% of the initial measured MIP and a 5-10 second rest break after 10-15 respiratory cycles. 1. Basic IMT group: They will complete IMT training once a week with a physiotherapist for 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes in the evening, for the remaining 6 days without a supervisor. 2. F-IMT group: After applying the same Basic IMT program for the first four weeks, the remaining four weeks will be spent 3 days a week with a physiotherapist for 30 minutes, accompanied by the specified exercises. For the remaining four days, they will continue Basic IMT training, unsupervised for 15 minutes in the morning and evening. 3. Control group: Simple upper extremity exercises and diaphragmatic breathing exercises will be performed with equipment suitable for home use, 30 minutes with a physiotherapist once a week, and 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes in the evening, unsupervised for the remaining six days. (8-12 repetitions, 2 sets, 1-2 minute break) F-IMT group exercises: Each exercise will be performed simultaneously with the IMT device for 8-12 repetitions, 2 sets. There will be a 1-2 minute break between exercises. -Alternating between lowering and raising bent legs while supine in a chin-up position * Alternating between lowering and raising bent legs while supine in a chin-up position * Alternating between 90° hip flexion of one leg, then sliding the heel to extend the knee and performing a 45° straight leg raise * Alternating between 90° hip flexion of the opposite leg while supine in a chin-up position * Alternating between 90° hip flexion of the legs while supine in a chin-up position * Contralateral knee extension and shoulder flexion while supine in a chin-up position * Crawling cross-leg raises * Shoulder flexion and extension on unstable surfaces * Back slides on a wall * Lunges by stepping forward * Lifting a weight from the floor and lifting it overhead while maintaining a neutral spine * Bridging exercises * Crunches * Modified push-ups (Kisner et al., 2017)
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
51
The participant will complete IMT training with a physiotherapist one day a week and without a supervisor for the remaining 6 days, 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes in the evening.
Following 4 weeks of Basic IMT, the patient will undergo 30-minute exercises and IMT, three days a week, for 4 weeks, accompanied by a physiotherapist. The patient will continue 15-minute Basic IMT training morning and evening, four days a week, without a supervisor. Exercises will be performed 8-12 times, in 2 sets, with 1-2 minute breaks. Supine chin-up position, lowering and lifting bent legs to the side, Supine chin-up position, 90° hip flexion of one leg, then sliding the heel to extend the knee and 45° straight leg raise, Supine chin-up position, 90° hip flexion of the leg in the chin-up position, Bilateral 90° hip flexion of the legs in the chin-up position, Supine chin-up position, opposite knee extension and shoulder flexion, Cross arm-leg raises in the crawling position, shoulder flexion and extension on mobile surfaces, Back slide on the wall, Lunge by stepping forward, Lifting weight from the floor and lifting it overhead, Bridging, Crunches, Modified push-up
Simple upper extremity exercises and diaphragmatic breathing exercises will be given with equipment suitable for the home environment, 1 day a week accompanied by a physiotherapist for 30 minutes, and the remaining 6 days without a supervisor for 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes in the evening. (8-12 repetitions, 2 sets, 1-2 minute break)
Yalova University
Yalova, Yalova, Turkey (Türkiye)
Dyspnea Assessment
Modified Medical Research Council -mMRC: The mMRC used for dyspnea assessment consists of five stages. Stage 0 represents mild dyspnea, and Stage 4 represents severe dyspnea (Bestall et al., 1999).
Time frame: Baseline and through study completion, an average of 8 weeks
COPD Assesment Test
COPD Assessment Test (CAT): The test consists of eight questions that examine cough, phlegm, shortness of breath, home and outdoor difficulties, sleep, and fatigue parameters. The maximum score is 40. As the score increases, symptoms worsen. The validity and reliability of the Turkish version was conducted by Yorgancıoğlu et al. (Yorgancioglu, 2012).
Time frame: Baseline and through study completion, an average of 8 weeks
Pulmonary Function Testing
Measurements are taken with a portable spirometer (Cosmed Pony FX, Cosmed, Rome, Italy) while the patient is in a seated position. Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) is measured (Miller et al., 2005).
Time frame: Baseline and through study completion, an average of 8 weeks
Pulmonary Function Testing
Measurements are taken with a portable spirometer (Cosmed Pony FX, Cosmed, Rome, Italy) while the patient is in a seated position. Forced vital capacity (FVC) is measured (Miller et al., 2005).
Time frame: Baseline and through study completion, an average of 8 weeks
Pulmonary Function Testing
Measurements are taken with a portable spirometer (Cosmed Pony FX, Cosmed, Rome, Italy) while the patient is in a seated position. The ratio of forced expiratory volume in one second to forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) is measured (Miller et al., 2005).
Time frame: Baseline and through study completion, an average of 8 weeks
Pulmonary Function Testing
Measurements are made with a portable spirometer (Cosmed Pony FX, Cosmed, Rome, Italy) with the patient in a sitting position. Peak expiratory flow rate (PEF) are measured (Miller et al., 2005).
Time frame: Baseline and through study completion, an average of 8 weeks
Pulmonary Function Testing
Measurements are made with a portable spirometer (Cosmed Pony FX, Cosmed, Rome, Italy) with the patient in a sitting position. Flow rate at 25-75% of forced vital capacity (FEF 25-75%) are measured (Miller et al., 2005).
Time frame: Baseline and through study completion, an average of 8 weeks
Pulmonary Function Testing
Measurements are made with a portable spirometer (Cosmed Pony FX, Cosmed, Rome, Italy) with the patient in a sitting position. Vital capacity (VC) are measured (Miller et al., 2005).
Time frame: Baseline and through study completion, an average of 8 weeks
Respiratory Muscle Strength Measurement
Maximal inspiratory pressure measurements (MIP) will be taken. For the MIP measurement, the participant sits in a chair and, with a nose clip attached, is asked to take a maximum inspiration through the mouth for 1-3 seconds (Neder et al., 1999)..
Time frame: Baseline and through study completion, an average of 8 weeks
Respiratory Muscle Strength Measurement
Maximal expiratory pressure measurements (MEP) will be taken. For the MEP measurement, the participant is asked to take a maximum inspiration and then a maximum expiration for 1-3 seconds. After performing both measurements three times, the best reading is recorded (Neder et al., 1999).
Time frame: Baseline and through study completion, an average of 8 weeks
Exercise Capacity Assessment
Six-Minute Walk Test - 6MWT: The six-minute walk test is one of the most frequently used field tests in clinical settings due to its practicality and low cost, assessing submaximal functional capacity. The test is conducted in a 30-meter corridor. After being informed about the test, the participant is asked to walk in a marked area in the corridor for six minutes, and the total distance is recorded. It is recommended that it be performed three times at regular intervals throughout the day, and the best distance recorded. The patient may stop and rest at any time and use assistive devices if available. Blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, fatigue, and dyspnea are measured before and after the test. In individuals with COPD, a walk of \<350 meters is associated with lower exercise capacity and increased mortality risk (Ceylan, 2014). A 6-minute walk will result in a report calculating the total distance walked in meters.
Time frame: Baseline and through study completion, an average of 8 weeks
Cognitive Performance
This will be measured with the Standardized Mini Mental Test (SMMT). The Mini Mental Test, developed by Folstein et al., is used to assess an individual's cognitive performance. The maximum score a patient can achieve on the 11-question test, which includes orientation, recording memory, attention and calculation, recall, and language sections, is 30 (Folstein et al., 1975). The higher the score, the better the situation. 0-17 points indicate severe impairment, 18-23 points indicate moderate impairment, 24-26 points indicate mild cognitive impairment, and 27-30 points indicate normal levels (Creavin et al., 2016). The Turkish validity and reliability study was conducted by Güngen et al. (Güngen et al., 2002).
Time frame: Baseline and through study completion, an average of 8 weeks
Peripheral Muscle Strength Measurement
Participants' knee extension and grip strength will be assessed. A hand-held dynamometer (Lafayette Manual Muscle Testing System; Lafayette Instrument Company, Lafayette, Indiana, USA) will be used for knee extension strength, and a Baseline BIMS Digital 5-Position Grip Dynamometer (Baseline Evaluation Instruments, USA) will be used for grip strength. Measurements are taken with the participant seated in a chair. Grip strength is measured in the standard position recommended by the American Association of Hand Therapists. Positions include shoulder adduction, forearm neutral position, elbow flexion at 90 degrees, wrist extension at 0-30 degrees, and ulnar deviation of 15 degrees (Tregdet and Davis, 2000). The best value after performing each measurement three times is recorded.
Time frame: Baseline and through study completion, an average of 8 weeks
Balance Assessment (Berg Balance Scale-BDI)
The BDI is used to assess dynamic balance performance. It is evaluated under 14 headings, each with a score of 0-4, for a total of 0-56. 56 is the highest score and indicates complete unsupported balance performance. Scores between 0-20 represent high fall risk, 21-40 represent moderate fall risk, and 41-56 represent low fall risk. Its validity and reliability in Turkish were conducted by Şahin et al. (Sahin et al., 2008).
Time frame: Baseline and through study completion, an average of 8 weeks
Core Muscle Assessment
The PRONE test will be performed using the Stabilizer™ (Chattanooga Group Inc., Chattanooga, TN) device. Before the test, the patient is instructed to perform an abdominal wall retraction. The device is placed under the abdomen with the patient lying prone. After the manometer pressure is set at 70 mmHg, the patient is asked to perform and maintain the abdominal wall retraction. The test is repeated three times, and the highest value is recorded (de Paula Lima et al., 2011).
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Time frame: Baseline and through study completion, an average of 8 weeks
Lower Extremity Endurance Assessment (5-Time Sit-to-Stand Test)
The 5-Time Sit-to-Stand Test is an easy-to-administer lower extremity endurance test because it only requires a chair. Patients are asked to sit down and stand up five times in a chair with a backrest and no armrests, without arm support. The total time in seconds is recorded after completing the test (Mong et al., 2010).
Time frame: Baseline and through study completion, an average of 8 weeks
Depression Assessment (Beck Depression Inventory-BDI)
The BDI is a scale used to assess depression. It consists of 21 items, each with four options. The scale has a scoring system of 0-3. The lowest score a participant can receive on this scale is 0 and the highest is 63. Higher scores indicate increasing levels of depression. Total scores are divided into 4 groups: 0-9 points: "minimal depression," 10-16 points: "mild depression," 17-29 points: "moderate depression," and 30 points and above: "severe depression." The Turkish reliability study of this scale was conducted by Hisli in 1988 (Hisli, 1989).
Time frame: Baseline and through study completion, an average of 8 weeks
Activity of Daily Living Assessment
London Chest Activities of Daily Living Scale - LCADL: There are four subheadings and 15 items, including personal care, housework, physical activity, and leisure time. Each item is scored between 0 and 5. The scale is scored as the total score of the subheadings and the scale. The maximum total score is 75. As the total score increases, so does dependence on activities of daily living (Janaudis-Ferreira et al., 2014). Its validity and reliability in Turkish were conducted by Saka et al.
Time frame: Baseline and through study completion, an average of 8 weeks
Quality of Life Assessment
St. George Respiratory Questionnaire-SGRQ: This questionnaire is used to measure health-related quality of life in individuals with respiratory diseases. It consists of 50 items in three sections: symptoms, activities, and disease effects. Scoring ranges from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating worsening health status. The validity and reliability of the scale was conducted by Polatlı et al. (Polatlı et al., 2013).
Time frame: Baseline and through study completion, an average of 8 weeks
Fatigue Assessment
COPD and Asthma Fatigue Scale: This is a 12-item scale specifically developed for the assessment of fatigue in patients with COPD and asthma. Questions are on a five-point Likert-type scale, yielding a score between 12 and 60. The scale score is calculated out of 100 using the formula: Scale score = \[(Total Raw Score-12 /48) x 100\]. A higher score indicates greater fatigue (Revicki et al., 2010). The Turkish validity and reliability were made by Aslan and Öztunç (Aslan and Öztunç, 2013).
Time frame: Baseline and through study completion, an average of 8 weeks
Physical Activity Level Assessment
Short Form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-IPAQ-SF: This questionnaire, whose validity and reliability in Turkish were developed by Sağlam et al., consists of 7 questions. It asks about vigorous and moderate physical activities, including walking and sitting activities, performed within the last week, on how many days per week and for how long. Sitting activity is not included in the scoring section (Sağlam et al., 2010). MET values of the activities were used as 8 METs for vigorous physical activities, 4 METs for moderate physical activities, and 3.3 METs for walking, and the total score was recorded as MET-min/week. The total duration (minutes) and frequency (days) of each are required for score calculation. The MET score is obtained by multiplying the MET value of the activity by the number of days and minutes. The results are evaluated in three categories: inactive, moderately active, and active: Inactive, Moderately active, Active (Craig et al., 2003).
Time frame: Baseline and through study completion, an average of 8 weeks