Perception of patients with interstitial lung diseases submitted to inspiratory muscle training

ABSTRACT

Background

Although inspiratory muscle training reduces dyspnea in patients with chronic respiratory diseases, it was not yet evaluated in a sample composed exclusively of patients with interstitial lung diseases.

Objective

To discuss the perception of patients with interstitial lung diseases about inspiratory muscle training intervention.

Methods

This is a qualitative study. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, transcribed, and analyzed by thematic analysis.

Results

Fourteen patients (64 ± 7 years) with interstitial lung disease were interviewed. Average participation in the inspiratory muscle training program was 90% (range, 66–100%). Three themes were elaborated: 1) dyspnea and other symptoms in daily life (e.g. “I could not carry out a bag; I was very uncomfortable”); 2) less symptom and greater performance (e.g. “I wash and change my clothes, house cleaning, do everything without feeling anything”); and 3) IMT: a time dedicated to my health (e.g. “For me it was great because I saw my evolution every day”).

Conclusion

Patients noticed improvements in symptoms and performance related to daily activities. Despite initial difficulties, patients continued training as planned.

KEYWORDS:

• Physiotherapy
• lung diseases
• qualitative research
• rehabilitation
• respiratory muscle training

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Probatus Academic Services for providing scientific language translation and editing.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The work was partly financed by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES, Finance Code 001) - Brazil and the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq, Grant 309990/2017-3) – Brazil.