Effects of inspiratory muscle training for quadriplegic patients: literature review

Abstract

The aim of this literature review is to inquire on the effectiveness of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) for quadriplegic patients. Due to ventilation restriction caused by chest wall muscles paralysis or paresis, quadriplegic subjects form an appropriate group to receive IMT. An improvement in respiratory muscle strength and endurance, as well as in breathing pattern, is evidenced, but no controlled studies could be found that explain which factors are responsible for such improvements concerning force, endurance and ventilatory function. This review shows that, although the precise role of IMT in the treatment of quadriplegic patients is not clear, it is unquestionable that such training brings about improvement in quality of life and a reduction in breathing complications.