Inspiratory muscle training may improve extubation outcome in critically ill patients in the intensive care units

Background: Extubation failure can lead to a longer intensive care unit (ICU) stay, potential complications such as airway injury, respiratory muscle weakness, lung injury, and ventilator-associated pneumonia. Inspiratory muscle training can help patients in improves inspiratory muscles strength while increasing the likelihood of successful weaning from the ventilator. Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the use of inspiratory muscle training for reducing the rate of failed removal from mechanical ventilators. Methods: Adults(>18 years of age with long-term MV for>7 days ) between June 2015 and December 2018 were included. The control group, which received routine nursing chest care. The intervention group was received inspiratory muscle program. Using a removable threshold device, we recommend high-intensity training (5 sets of 6 breaths at a minimum of 50% of maximum inspiratory pressure) performed once per day,with intensity gradually increased to the highest tolerable intensity. Results: IMT is likely to improve not only inspiratory muscle strength but also quality of life in patients recently weaned from mechanical ventilation of 7 days9 duration or longer. Compared to the control group, patients in the intervention group had a significantly lower reintubation rate (10% vs 18%; P = .01). Conclusions: Inspiratory muscle strength could decrease extubation failure in mechanically ventilated patients in the ICU, with the potential to enhance patient recovery.