Year: 2026 | Month: October-December | Volume: 11 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 92-100
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/gijhsr.20260410
Effect of Inspiratory Muscle Training on Functional Capacity and Dyspnea in Patients with Moderate Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Case Series
Vishnu K. Nair1, Chaithra B. Shetty2, Ashish Benoy3
1Assistant Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, Laxmi Memorial College of Physiotherapy, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
2Assistant Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, Laxmi Memorial College of Physiotherapy, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
3BPT Intern, Department of Physiotherapy, Laxmi Memorial College of Physiotherapy, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
Corresponding Author: Ashish Benoy
ABSTRACT
Background: Patients with moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) frequently experience exertional dyspnea and reduced functional capacity during stable phases, and focused evidence on inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in moderate disease remains limited.
Objective: To investigate the effect of an eight-week structured IMT program on functional exercise capacity and perceived dyspnea in patients with moderate COPD.
Methods: A prospective case series of ten medically stable patients with moderate COPD (GOLD grade 2) was conducted. Participants performed threshold IMT for eight weeks (15 minutes per session, five days per week), starting at 30% and progressing to 40–50% of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP). Functional capacity, dyspnea, health status, and inspiratory muscle strength were assessed before and after the intervention using the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scale, the COPD Assessment Test (CAT), and MIP measurement. Data were analyzed using the paired samples t-test.
Results: All parameters improved significantly. Mean 6MWT distance increased from 334.8 ± 32.9 m to 372.2 ± 33.0 m (p < 0.001); mean mMRC score decreased from 2.1 ± 0.6 to 1.2 ± 0.4 (p < 0.001); mean CAT score reduced from 19.9 ± 2.2 to 13.5 ± 2.7 (p < 0.001); and mean MIP improved from 59.9 ± 7.3 cmH₂O to 73.9 ± 7.5 cmH₂O (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: An eight-week structured IMT program produced significant gains in functional capacity, reduced exertional breathlessness, and improved respiratory muscle strength, supporting targeted IMT as an effective component in the management of moderate COPD.
Keywords: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Inspiratory muscle training; Functional capacity; Dyspnea; Six-minute walk test