Inspiratory muscle training improves submaximal exercise capacity in patients with heart failure: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials

摘要

Over the past decade, chronic heart failure (CHF) has become more prevalent world wide. Despite the introduction of therapies such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, beta-blockers, spironolactone and device equipments, CHF still is a source of great morbidity, exercise intolerance and low quality of life. Recent scientific studies suggest that inspiratory muscle training (IMT) might be an effective intervention for heart failure through multiple mechanisms [1,2]. The effects of IMT on quality of life have been published by Sbruzzi et al. [3], who concluded that IMT has no additional benefit on quality of life in CHF patients without inspiratory muscle weakness. However, the effect of IMT on submaximal exercise capacity in CHF patients remains controversial. The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the effect of IMT on submaximal exercise capacity in CHF patients.