Inspiratory muscle training for diaphragmatic dysfunction: A case series

Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) is used across various pathology domains to improve respiratory function. Limited literature exists which demonstrates IMT benefit among patients with Diaphragmatic dysfunction. 7 individuals with a mean age of 59.6yrs had unilateral diaphragmatic dysfunction (UDD) post cardiac surgery and were referred to a cardiac rehab program where an IMT strength based protocol was prescribed. IMT implementation over an average of 13 weeks yielded an average improvement in maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) of 48 % (p value 0.018), peak inspiratory flow rate (PIFR) of 45 % (p value 0.018), forced expired volume in 1 sec (FEV1) of 15 % (p value 0.028) and forced vital capacity (FVC) of 15 % (p value 0.018). This case series of data adds to the limited evidence that exists currently and outlines the benefits of IMT application within unilateral diaphragmatic dysfunction.