Effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training in Patients With Class III and IV Heart Failure

The effects of inspiratory muscle training on functional capacity and quality of life in functional class III and IV heart failure patients were evaluated. The inspiratory muscle training protocol was applied to 20 patients with heart disease, over a period of 6 weeks, 3 times a week, for 30 minutes, with a load of 40% of the maximum inspiratory pressure and 5 sets of 10 repetitions, with an interval of 1-2 minutes. The Minnesota Quality of Life Questionnaire, the 6-minute walk test, vital data and manovacuometry (pre- and post-intervention) were used. Pre- and post-test comparisons revealed significant differences in the 6-minute walk test, heart rate, respiratory rate, Borg scale, respiratory muscle strength, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and an increase in quality of life was also observed (P < 0.01). Inspiratory muscle training improved functional capacity and quality of life, suggesting that inspiratory muscle training should be included in Class III and IV cardiac rehabilitation.