A randomized placebo-controlled study investigating the efficacy of inspiratory muscle training in the treatment of children with bronchial asthma

• Published in: The Journal of asthma 2021-12, Vol.58 (12), p.1661-1669
• Main Author: Elnaggar, Ragab K.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Asthma - rehabilitation; asthma perception; Breathing Exercises - methods; Child; Childhood asthma; Combined Modality Therapy; Double-Blind Method; Female; Humans; Male; Muscle Strength - physiology; Respiratory Function Tests; Respiratory Muscles - physiology; respiratory muscles strength; respiratory re-training; Respiratory Therapy - methods; Saudi Arabia; Single-Blind Method; ventilatory function
• ISSN: 0277-0903; 1532-4303
• DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2020.1821058

To investigate the efficacy of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on respiratory functions, respiratory muscle strength, and asthma symptoms in asthmatic children. In a randomized placebo-controlled assessor-blinded study, 34 children with asthma were randomized to receive either the IMT at 40% of the maximal inspiratory pressure (IP max ) for 20 min/session, thrice/week, over 12 consecutive weeks (IMT group; n = 17) or placebo IMT at 5% of IP max (placebo group; n = 17). Additionally, both groups received the conventional respiratory rehabilitation (CRR) program. Outcome measurements performed pre- and post-treatment, included respiratory functions [forced expiratory volume at the first second (FEV 1 ), forced vital capacity (FEV), and FEV 1 /FVC], respiratory muscle strength [represented by IP max and maximal expiratory pressure (EP max ), and asthma control test (ACT). At a significance level adjusted to P