Effectiveness of inspiratory muscle training associated with a cardiac rehabilitation program on sympathetic activity and functional capacity in patients with heart failure: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Individuals affected by heart failure (HF) may present fatigue, dyspnea, respiratory muscle weakness, and sympathetic activity hyperstimulation of the myocardium, among other symptoms. Conducting cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs can be associated with inspiratory muscle training. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of inspiratory muscular training (IMT) associated with a CR program on modulating myocardial sympathetic activity and maximal functional capacity, submaximal functional capacity, thickness, and mobility of the diaphragm muscle in patients with HF. Methods: We will conduct a clinical, controlled, randomized, double-blind trial that will include sedentary men and women who are 21-60 years old and who have diagnosed systolic HF and a left ventricular ejection fraction of less than 45%. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: experimental and control. The control group will follow the conventional CR protocol, and the experimental group will follow the conventional CR protocol associated with IMT 7 days a week. The two proposed exercise protocols will have a frequency of three times a week for a period of 12 weeks. The sympathetic innervation of the cardiac muscle, the maximum and submaximal functional capacity, diaphragm mobility and thickness, and the quality of life of the participants will be evaluated before and after the intervention protocol.

Effect of postoperative high load long duration inspiratory muscle training on pulmonary function and functional capacity after mitral valve replacement surgery: A randomized controlled trial with follow-up

“…relaxed sitting on a height-adjustable chair with arm support (to prevent falling sideways just in case if syncope occurs), with feet supported on the floor, keeping spine erect with shoulders slightly back and using disposable nasal clip and mouth piece for each patient which must be disposed at the end of testing session [12,13].…”

Effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training with and without Resistance Training on Functional Capacity and Quality of Life in Patients with Phase II Cardiac Rehabilitation

“…This may be due to a lack of information about the therapy's impact on patients' ability to do daily tasks. (20) Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) is another form of exercise that has been demonstrated to be useful in the therapy of various disorders. IMT has been connected to positive effects on the autonomic nervous system (ANS).…”