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Updated: Apr 13, 2026
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Inspiratory Muscle Training as an Adjunct to the Treatment of Weaning Failure in Critically Ill Patients: A Practical Guide
Published on: January 30, 2026
950
Inspiratory muscle training with threshold or incentive spirometry: Which is the most effective?
Dulciane Nunes Paiva1, Laíse Bender Assmann2, Diogo Fanfa Bordin2
1Pos Graduate Course in Health Promotion, University of Santa Cruz do Sul (UNISC), Santa Cruz do Sul, RS, Brazil; Physical Therapy Course, University of Santa Cruz do Sul (UNISC), Santa Cruz do Sul, RS, Brazil.
Revista Portuguesa De Pneumologia
|May 1, 2015
Summary
Threshold inspiratory muscle training (IMT) significantly enhanced respiratory muscle strength more effectively than incentive spirometry (IS) in healthy females. This study highlights threshold IMT as a superior method for improving inspiratory muscle power.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Physiology
- Exercise Science
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Background:
- Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) is known to improve respiratory muscle strength.
- However, direct comparisons between different IMT devices, specifically threshold IMT and incentive spirometry (IS), are lacking.
- This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of these two methods in healthy individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of threshold inspiratory muscle training (IMT) versus incentive spirometry (IS) in enhancing respiratory muscle strength.
- To determine if threshold IMT demonstrates superiority over IS in increasing maximal inspiratory pressure (PImax).
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 40 healthy females divided into a control group (CG), IS group (ISG), and threshold IMT group (TG).
- Maximal inspiratory pressure (PImax) was measured before training, and at 15 and 30 days of training.
- Participants used either threshold IMT (Threshold IMT®) or IS (Voldyne®) devices.
Main Results:
- Both the threshold IMT group and the IS group showed significant increases in PImax at 15 and 30 days of training (p<0.001).
- After 30 days, the threshold IMT group exhibited a significantly higher PImax compared to both the IS group (p=0.045) and the control group (p<0.001).
Conclusions:
- Threshold inspiratory muscle training (IMT) is more effective in increasing respiratory muscle strength than incentive spirometry (IS).
- Threshold IMT provides a superior method for enhancing maximal inspiratory pressure in healthy females compared to the Voldyne device.
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