Effects of inspiratory muscle training on dyspnea, functional exercise capacity and quality of life after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Reduced respiratory muscle strength has been reported in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients. However, the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on functional exercise capacity, pulmonary functions, inspiratory muscle strength, dyspnea and quality of life in HSCT recipients has not been investigated so far. Therefore, this prospective, randomized controlled and double blinded study planned to investigate the effects of IMT functional exercise capacity, pulmonary functions, inspiratory muscle strength, dyspnea and quality of life in allogeneic HSCT recipients. Thirty eight allogeneic HSCT recipients (?100 days post transplantation) were included. Twenty recipients (treatment group) received IMT %40 of maximal inspiratory pressure (MlP), and 18 patients (control group) received sham therapy (%5 of MlP) for 6 weeks. Before and after IMT pulmonary functions using a spirometry, respiratory muscle strength (MIP, MEP) using a mouth pressure device, functional exercise capacity using 6-minute walk test, dyspnea using Modified Borg and Medical Research Council (MMRC) dyspnea scales and quality of life using EORTC QLQ-C30 were evaluated. Functional exercise capacity, respiratory muscle strength and dyspnea perception were significantly improved in the treatment group compared with controls; quality of life perception were similarly improved within groups (p<0.05). No improvements were observed in pulmonary functions (p>0.05). In conclusion; inspiratory muscle training improves respiratory muscle strength and functional exercise capacity, decreases perception of dyspnea on exertion in allogeneic HSCT recipients; should be included safely and effectively in pulmonary rehabilitation programs. Keywords: Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Allogeneic Transplantation, Inspiratory Muscle Training, Functional Exercise Capacity, Pulmonary Function, Dyspnea, Quality Of Life.