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

Abstract

Objective

To investigate the efficacy of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on respiratory functions, respiratory muscle strength, and asthma symptoms in asthmatic children.

Methods

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 (FEV₁), forced vital capacity (FEV), and FEV₁/FVC], respiratory muscle strength [represented by IP_max and maximal expiratory pressure (EP_max), and asthma control test (ACT).

Results

At a significance level adjusted to P<.008, there were significant post-treatment differences between the IMT and placebo groups in FEV₁ (P=.003), FVC (P=.001), FEV₁/FVC (P=.004), IP_max (P=.002), EP_max (P=.004), and ACT (P=.001) adjusted to the pretreatment values, in favor of the IMT group.

Conclusion

Incorporation of IMT in the CRR program for children with asthma can improve respiratory function, enhance respiratory muscle strength, and improve children’s perception of asthma symptoms.

Keywords:

• Childhood asthma
• respiratory re-training
• ventilatory function
• respiratory muscles strength
• asthma perception

Acknowledgements

This publication was supported by the Deanship of Scientific Research at Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University. The author would like to thank the participants and their guardians who have willingly shared their precious time during the study.

Declaration of interest

The author of this work has no conflicts of interest.

Funding

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors