Effect of Resistive Inspiratory Muscle Training Optimizing Lung Function in Spinal Cord Injury

Globally, over 15 million people are living with spinal cord injury (SCI), according to the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2024. SCI disrupts the normal functioning of the spinal cord, leading to significant physical and neurological impairments. One of the major challenges in SCI management is respiratory complications, which contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality. Resistive inspiratory muscle training (RIMT) has emerged as a promising intervention to enhance respiratory muscle strength and function, potentially reducing respiratory complications in SCI.

The primary objective of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of RIMT in optimizing lung function in individuals with SCI. The study also aims to assess the safety of RIMT and its impact on the health-related quality of life of participants.

Researchers will compare RIMT to conventional respiratory physiotherapy to see if RIMT works to enhance lung function and improve overall respiratory outcomes in individuals with SCI.

The study population will consist of individuals with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) who have impaired respiratory function and are admitted for inpatient rehabilitation. The inclusion criteria include individuals aged 18 to 65 years with cervical cord injury and impaired respiratory function. Exclusion criteria include progressive diseases, head injury, psychiatric conditions, medical instability, ventilator dependency, and the presence of a tracheostomy.

The clinical trial will be conducted at the Spinal Cord Injury Unit of the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralyzed (CRP) in Savar, Dhaka. The CRP provides comprehensive rehabilitation services to patients from all over Bangladesh, ensuring that the study population reflects a broad demographic and economic spectrum.

This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with participants randomly allocated to either the intervention group or the control group. The intervention group will receive resistive inspiratory muscle training (RIMT) in addition to conventional respiratory physiotherapy, while the control group will receive only conventional respiratory physiotherapy.

Data collection will involve a range of tools to assess primary and secondary outcomes:

• Incentive Spirometry: Assesses lung function.
• Peak Flow Meter: Measures Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF), assessing expiratory flow rate during forced expiration.
• SF-12 Health Survey: Assesses health-related quality of life (HRQoL) across various physical and mental health aspects.
• Modified Borg Scale: Subjective assessment of perceived exertion and dyspnoea.
• Structured Questionnaire: To gather socio-demographic indicators and additional relevant data.

Data will be analyzed using SPSS version 22. Descriptive statistics will include pie charts, bar charts, and linear line diagrams. Parametric tests such as paired t-tests and unrelated t-tests will be employed to analyze the data. Variables such as mean, mean difference, standard deviations, standard error, degree of freedom, and significance level will be calculated to demonstrate significant differences within and between the experimental and control groups.

By conducting this trial, the study aims to provide robust evidence on the potential benefits of RIMT in improving respiratory function and overall quality of life in individuals with SCI.

Inclusion criteria

• People with Traumatic Cervical Cord Injury
• Impaired respiratory function

Exclusion criteria

• Participants who have Progressive diseases, Head injury, A psychiatric condition , Medical instability, Ventilator dependency, and Presence of tracheostomy