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Published on: February 14, 2022
Effects of inspiratory muscle training after lung transplantation in children
Takayoshi Yamaga1, Shuhei Yamamoto2, Yasunari Sakai2
1Occupational Therapy, Health Science University, Minamitsuru-gun, Japan t.yamaga@kenkoudai.ac.jp.
Insights
Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) improved respiratory function and reduced shortness of breath in a pediatric lung transplant patient. This suggests IMT may benefit children with post-transplant respiratory weakness.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Transplantation Medicine
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- Pulmonary rehabilitation is crucial post-lung transplantation (LT).
- The efficacy of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in pediatric LT patients remains unclear.
- Dyspnea limits activity in some pediatric LT survivors.
Observation:
- A 13-year-old male underwent double LT and experienced dyspnea during mild exertion.
- The patient participated in a 2-month IMT program at 30% of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP).
Findings:
- Maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) increased by approximately 60% post-IMT.
- Forced vital capacity (FVC) improved from 74.6% to 83.4% predicted.
- Patient-reported dyspnea significantly improved.
Implications:
- IMT may be a beneficial intervention for pediatric LT patients experiencing respiratory muscle weakness.
- This case suggests IMT can enhance respiratory function and reduce dyspnea after pediatric LT.
- Further research is warranted to confirm IMT's role in pediatric lung transplant recovery.
Abstract:
Pulmonary rehabilitation is a cornerstone of management for patients after lung transplantation (LT), but the benefits of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) after LT in children are unclear. Therefore, we examined whether IMT can improve respiratory function and dyspnoea in a paediatric patient after LT.The patient was a 13-year-old boy who underwent double LT. However, mild physical activity such as walking triggered dyspnoea for the patient. The patient underwent IMT with the intensity of approximately 30% of his maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) for 2 months.The patient's MIP was increased by approximately 60% after 2 months, and his forced vital capacity as a percent of the predicted normal value increased from 74.6% to 83.4%, with improvement of dyspnoea.IMT may help improve dyspnoea after LT in children with respiratory muscle weakness and a decline in respiratory function.
