High-intensity Inspiratory Muscle Training as a Pre-cardiac Rehabilitation in Heart Disease

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in both men and women in developed and developing societies (Joseph et al., 2017). Some degree of pulmonary dysfunction is highly likely in patients with heart disease compared to those without(Calles et al., 2016; Cahalin and Arena, 2015). This can affect pulmonary function, and gas exchange, as well as decrease maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MIP and MEP, respectively)(Dos Santos et al., 2019; Haeffener et al., 2008; Roncada et al., 2015; Cahalin and Arena, 2015).

Inspiratory muscle training has been shown to be an effective form of training that enhances lung function. It consists of repetitive breath cycles where one inspires against resistance placed by a device and expires against no resistance. Studies that have applied this form of training in patients with heart disease have found significant improvements in MIP-MEP, tidal volume, vital capacity, and 6-minute walking distance. Few studies have examined the effects of high-intensity (between 50-80% of MIP) inspiratory muscle training in patients with heart disease (Dos Santos et al., 2019; Dos Santos et al., 2021; Laoutaris et al., 2007; Miozzo et al., 2018; Sadek et al., 2022). This level of training has been associated with greater improvements in the aferomentioned outcomes of interest, however, no study has explored the effects of high-intensity inspiratory muscle training in patients with heart disease on measures of cardiovascular function.

Aim: This study aims to investigate and interpret whether high-intensity inspiratory muscle training, beyond the usual care, improves endothelial function and arterial stiffness on cardiovascular function in patients with heart disease.

Methods: The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial. After coronary artery bypass graft surgery, patients will be invited to the study. The demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients will be recorded after consent is obtained from the volunteer patients who meet the inclusion criteria. Subsequently, patients will be randomly divided into two groups for inspiratory muscle training (IMT) with 60% maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) or sham inspiratory muscle training (Sham-control), for 4 weeks. In both groups, before and after 4-week training, resting blood pressure (systolic/diastolic), resting heart rate, endothelial function, arterial stiffness, functional exercise capacity, the severity of dyspnea, and inspiratory muscle functions will be measured.

Inclusion criteria

• Aged >18 years old
• Be able to walk independently.
• Had coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, history of percutaneous coronary interventions, heart failure, and/or myocardial infarction.
• Sufficient English language comprehension and cognitive ability to understand the study protocol, give informed consent and follow instructions.

Exclusion criteria

• Being a current smoker (or tobacco).
• Having a diagnosed chronic disease such as inflammatory bowel disease/irritable bowel syndrome, cerebrovascular diseases, COPD, chronic kidney disease requiring dialysis, neurological disorders, or diseases that may affect motor/cognitive function [multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, polio, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or other brain diseases of ageing])
• Getting a score below 24 on the Standardized Mini Mental Test
• Using antipsychotic medications commonly used to treat schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorders (i.e., haloperidol)
• Having had any other previous cardiothoracic operation except CABG (e.g. Pneumonectomy, lobectomy, etc.)
• Having a history of unstable-angina
• Having had pneumonia in the last 3 months