Inspiratory Muscle Training in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

"The training was performed using a threshold inspiratory muscle trainer (Respironics HealthScan, Inc, Cedar Grove, New York, USA).~The patients performed the IMT training in a seated position, with the upper limbs supported. The total duration of the respiratory training was 30 minutes, with sequences of three minutes of training followed by pauses of two minutes. The initial load was equivalent to 30% of the individual's MIP. This load was progressively increased over the first four weeks, according to the patients' tolerance, to reach 60% of the MIP. This level was then maintained until the end of the training."