Effects of inspiratory muscle training on functional exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with sarcoidosis

Reduced respiratory muscle strength is related with decreased functional exercise capacity, worse fatigue, dyspnea and quality of life perception in patients with sarcoidosis. However, no study investigated the effects of inspiratory muscle training in patients with sarcoidosis. Therefore, the purpose of this double-blinded, prospective and randomized controlled study was to investigate the effects of inspiratory muscle training on functional exercise capacity, respiratory muscle strength, pulmonary functions, dyspnea, fatigue and quality of life in patients with sarcoidosis. Fourteen patients (treatment group) received inspiratory muscle training at %40 of maximal inspiratory pressure (MlP), and 15 patients (control group) received sham therapy (%5 of MlP) for 6 weeks. Before and after treatment, pulmonary function and pulmonary diffusing capacity using spirometry, functional exercise capacity using 6-minute walk test,respiratory muscle strength using mouth pressure device, fatigue using Fatigue Severity Scale, dyspnea using Modified Borg and Modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scales, quality of life using Saint George?s Respiratory Questionnaire were evaluated. Functional exercise capacity, respiratory muscle strength, fatigue and dyspnea perception were significantly improved in the treatment group compared with controls;fatigue and 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 functional exercise capacity and respiratory muscle strength; decreases dyspnea and fatigue perception in patients with sarcoidosis and should be included safely and effectively in pulmonary rehabilitation programs.