The effect of specific inspiratory muscle training on the sensation of dyspnoea and exercise tolerance in patients with congestive heart failure

BACKGROUND

‘It has been previously shown that the inspiratory muscles of patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) are weaker than those of normal persons. This weakness may contribute to the dyspnoea and limit exercise capacity in these patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Specific inspiratory muscle training resulted in an increased inspiratory muscle strength and endurance. This increase was associated with decreased dyspnoea, an increase in submaximal exercise capacity, and no change in maximal exercise capacity. This training may prove to be a complementary therapy in patients with CGF.”

Source: Weiner P, Waizman J, Magadle R, Berar-Yanay N, Pelled B. Dept. of MedicineHillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel.