Abstract: Objective To investigate the effect of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) as a rehabilitation treatment for patients suffering from moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods Fifty COPD patients in stable stage hospitalized in the First People’s Hospital of Wu Jiang District, Suzhou from January 2014 to December 2015 were included and randomly divided into control group and IMT group. Patients in the control group inhaled bronchodilators or glucocorticoids, whereas those in IMT group took inspiratory muscle training in addition to inhaling bronchodilators or glucocorticoids. All patients were followed up for 12 months. Values of maximum inspiratory pressure (PImax), 6-minute walking distance (6MWD), COPD Assessment Test (CAT) score were analyzed. The number of hospitalizations within twelve months was also recorded in two groups of patients. Results After 12-month fellow-up, it was found that PImax was decreased［(80.12 ± 17.94) cmH2O vs. (78.28 ± 17.98) cmH2O, P＜0.05)］, 6MWD was shortened［(283.96 ± 22.67) m vs.(278.12 ± 21.12) m, P＜0.05］and FEV1 was decreased［(1.32 ± 0.25) L vs. (1.27 ± 0.24) L, P＜0.05］in control group.Compared with control group, PImax increased significantly in IMT group［(78.28±17.98) cmH2O vs. (95.48±19.36) cmH2O,P＜0.05］, 6MWD was also increased［(278.12 ± 21.12) m vs. (320.32 ± 28.71) m, P＜0.05)］. While the CAT score was significantly reduced in patients of IMT group (15.36±5.20 vs. 11.76±2.79, P＜0.05). The hospitalizations caused by acute exacerbation were significantly decreased (1.40±0.91 vs. 0.68±0.63, P＜0.05), but there was no significant improvement in pulmonary function (P＞0.05). Conclusion Long-term IMT can improve the activity tolerance and quality of life in COPD patients, and reduce hospitalizations, bring benefits to the survival of COPD patients.

Key words: pulmonary disease, chronic obstructive, rehabilitation, pulmonary function, inspiratory muscle training