Effects of inspiratory muscle training on inspiratory muscle strength and exercise tolerance in patients with COPD: a meta-analysis and systematic review - Takeaways - MDSpire

Effects of inspiratory muscle training on inspiratory muscle strength and exercise tolerance in patients with COPD: a meta-analysis and systematic review

  • By

  • Lei Xu

  • Qi Liao

  • June 29, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    The systematic review evaluated the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on COPD patients' muscle strength, exercise tolerance, and dyspnea.

  • 2

    Thirteen randomized controlled trials involving 1,170 participants were included, showing significant improvements in inspiratory muscle strength and exercise tolerance.

  • 3

    IMT significantly improved PImax and 6MWD, with notable effects in sham-controlled settings but limited benefits when added to pulmonary rehabilitation.

  • 4

    Dyspnea showed a favorable trend without statistical significance, and no significant improvement was found in FEV₁ among participants.

  • 5

    Meta-regression indicated that the type of comparator explained a significant portion of the heterogeneity in 6MWD outcomes.

Original Source(s)

Effects of inspiratory muscle training on inspiratory muscle strength and exercise tolerance in patients with COPD: a meta-analysis and systematic review

  • by Lei Xu, Qi Liao

  • June 29, 2026

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