Objective: To evaluate whether inspiratory muscle training in patients with prior poliomyelitis (and with symptoms and signs of hypoventilation) who use part-time assisted ventilation could improve symptoms and respiratory muscle function without adverse effects.
Design: Intervention study with before-after trial.
Setting: Training was performed in the patients' homes; assessments were performed at the hospital.
Patients: Ten prior-polio patients were included. Three of them did not complete the trial, and their data were not included in results of training.
Intervention: Ten weeks of daily inspiratory muscle training.
Main outcome measures: Spirometry, maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures, inspiratory muscle endurance, and questions regarding activities of daily living were performed.
Results: Inspiratory endurance capacity over 5 minutes improved from 10.7 to 16.7cm H2O (p < .05) assessed at 15 on the Borg scale, and most patients improved in activities of daily living. The whole-body endurance capacity remained stable over the studied period.
Conclusion: Inspiratory muscle training and close supervision can increase respiratory muscle endurance and improve well-being in patients with prior polio who use part-time assisted ventilation.