Phase 1 Pulmonary Rehabilitation: A Comparative Study Of Inspiratory Muscle Training And Autogenic Drainage

Reportedly, around 6.3% of individuals over the age of 30 in Asia-Pacific countries suffer from stages II and III chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Among various rehabilitation strategies, Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT) and Autogenic Drainage (AD) are emerging as effective interventions aimed at improving respiratory function and symptom control. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of IMT and AD in hospitalized COPD patients, focusing on outcomes related to lung function, quality of life, bronchial hygiene, and respiratory muscle performance.

Out of 59 screened subjects, 40 met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled. They were randomly allocated into two groups: Group A received AD and Group B underwent IMT. Both groups participated in a structured intervention protocol for two weeks. A total of 35 participants completed the study.

Post-intervention, both groups showed significant improvement in forced vital capacity (FVC): Group A (-0.61 ± 0.52; P = .0089) and Group B (-0.46 ± 0.67; P = .0233). Chest expansion at Point B (measured at nipple level ) increased significantly in both groups (P = .0002) and at Point A (measured at axillary level) in Group A (P = .0283). While other outcomes, namely FEV1/FVC (P = .5), St George Respiratory Questionnaire (P = .6), Maximal Inspiratory Pressure (P = .6), and 6-minute walk test (P = .9), demonstrated positive trends, although not statistically significant.

Both the AD and IMT groups demonstrated statistically significant increases in FVC and chest expansion following the intervention, especially at the axillary level in the AD group and at the nipple level in both groups. Although not statistically significant, other variables such as the FEV1/FVC ratio, quality of life scores, inspiratory pressure, and functional exercise capacity demonstrated clinically useful trends.

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, respiratory therapy, rehabilitation, pulmonary function tests, inspiratory muscle training, autogenic drainage.