Inspiratory Muscle Training Improves Oxygen Uptake Efficiency Slope in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure.

This study analyzed the effects of IMT on the oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES) in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) with inspiratory muscle weakness (IMW). Thirty-two CHF patients were randomly assigned to either a 12-week program of IMT or placebo-IMT. PImax and OUES were obtained before and after the intervention. Inspiratory muscle training resulted in 115% increment in PImax and in significant improvement in OUES. There were no significant changes in the P-IMT group. There was a significant association between the changes in PImax and OUES.

In chronic heart failure patients with inspiratory muscle weakness, Inspiratory muscle training results in a significant increase in OUES.

Stein R, Chiappa GR, Güths H, Dallʼago P, Ribeiro JP. Inspiratory Muscle Training Improves Oxygen Uptake Efficiency Slope in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure. J Cardiopulm Rehabil Prev. 2009 Sep 22